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MARTIN, Tenn. – The Southeast Missouri (8-9, 1-2 OVC) volleyball team fell to Ohio Valley Conference West Division foe UT Martin (8-11, 2-1 OVC) Tuesday evening, 3-2 (21-25, 27-25, 24-26, 25-22, 13-15).
 
The Redhawks fell behind quickly in the first set, but stayed within striking distance of the Skyhawks. Southeast tied the set up at 19 but couldn't catch fire to close out the set as UT Martin took the opening stanza, 25-21. Colleen Yarber tallied five kills while Taylor Masterson tallied three of her own, good enough for a .600 attack percentage in the opening frame.
 
The Redhawks once again fell behind but earned their first lead of the match when they took an 8-7 lead in the second set. The Skyhawks used a 6-0 run to catch up with Southeast and take a slight 21-20 lead. The Skyhawk run sparked a back-and-forth battle that lasted until Southeast put the final nail in the Skyhawk coffin with a big block from Julie Shives and Masterson, 27-25 Southeast, tying up the match at one set apiece.
 
Up 24-22 and serving set point, Southeast could not close out the set in the last few points of set three and failed to cash in set point as the Skyhawks exploded with four late points to steal the set away from the Redhawks and take a crucial 2-1 lead in the match. Prior to, the set proved to be another tight one as the score was tied 11 times in the tilt. The Redhawks also put on a blocking clinic on the net with five blocks in the set, raising their match total to eight.
 
The Redhawks dominated the fourth set as they led the whole frame; however, UT Martin made a bid for the set as they inched closer to Southeast towards the end but the Redhawks were able to hold off the strong Skyhawk offense, 25-22, and force a decisive fifth set. Masterson led the Southeast offense in the fourth set with five kills and a .667 hitting clip with two blocks on the stanza.
 
Up 12-9 in the deciding set, Southeast's offense froze as the Skyhawks used a 6-1 run to seal the match and deliver Southeast their second OVC loss. Coming into the match, Southeast was undefeated (5-0) in five-set matches.
 
Masterson proved to be the difference maker in the match, posting a career-high 16 kills, .393 hitting percentage, and seven blocks. UTM out-killed Southeast 79-52; however, the OVC leaders in blocking closed out the match with 13 team blocks.
 
The Redhawks return home to Houck Field House Saturday, Oct. 5, when they host OVC East foe Jacksonville State at 2 p.m.