CHARLESTON, Ill. - Southeast Missouri (7-14, 3-5) fell in five sets to Eastern Illinois (11-11, 6-2) on Saturday  (22-25, 26-24, 25-20, 17-25, 14-16). 

Strong offense by EIU allowed an early lead over Southeast. The Redhawks battled back, tying the set at 15 all after an ace by Keegan Fornoff. After falling behind again, Southeast was unable to reclaim the lead and fell in the first set, 25-22.

The Panthers took an early lead in the second frame, keeping a slight edge over the Redhawks until two quick outbursts created distance (20-14). After going point for point, EIU found themselves at set point, 24-20. Refusing to fall, Southeast's defense pressured EIU to commit multiple errors as the Redhawks stormed by, stealing the set 26-24 and tying the match at one set apiece. Nzingha Clarke dominated the frame, registering a .778 hitting clip while tallying seven kills.

Southeast rode its momentum in the third set claiming a five-point lead off a kill by Jessica McElderry (12-7). The Panthers reduced the deficit to two before the Redhawks mounted a five-point rally to lead 20-14. Southeast cruised to claim the set, 25-20, and a 2-1 match lead after a solo block by Madalyn Werths to wrap up the set. 

While Werths was able to tally six kills in the fourth frame, the Panthers would prevent the Redhawks from claiming the match. EIU's offense rallied, sporting a .438 hitting clip en route to a 25-17 finish in the frame and forcing a fifth and final set. 

After the Redhawks led for much of the final frame, the Panthers were able to take the lead and steal the match with a 16-14 set victory.

Both posting a .500 hitting clip, Werths and Clarke finished the match with 19 and 16 kills, respectively. Krissa Gearring earned another double-double, posting 13 kills and 18 digs. Led by Clarke's seven blocks, Southeast registered 12 as a team during the match.

The Redhawks will close out their road swing next weekend when they take on Tennessee State (Oct. 23) and Belmont (Oct. 24) in Nashville, Tennessee.