UTM ends Otahkians' season

MARTIN, Tenn. -- Regular-season volleyball champion Tennessee-Martin swept its way into the final of the OVC Tournament Friday night with a straight-set semifinal victory over Southeast Missouri.

UTM picked up its third victory of the season over Southeast 30-23, 30-24, 30-20.

The Otahkians, the fourth seed, finished the season with a 15-14 mark overall. UTM improved to 25-7 and will play for the championship at noon today against No. 2 seed Eastern Illinois.

Bobbi Carlile led Southeast with 14 kills while Jessica Houpt and Emily Johnson had 10 apiece. Johnson also had a team-high 11 digs.

Heather Kea had a big match for UTM with 16 kills and a match-high 18 digs. Stephanie Bauer led the Lady Skyhawks with 18 kills.

Southeast had advanced to the semifinals earlier in the day with a four-set victory over Austin Peay, 30-16, 29-31, 30-26, 30-22. Johnson pounded out 23 kills and Carlile added 20.

Carlile, a junior outside hitter, was among three Otahkians named to the All-OVC second team, which was announced late Thursday. She was joined by Houpt, a junior outside hitter, and Emily Scannell, a sophomore setter. Houpt was also named to the all-newcomer team.

Morehead State swept the major conference awards: Player of the Year -- Amy Almond, Freshman of the Year -- Casie Garland, Coach of the Year -- Mike Swan.