NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Southeast Missouri (8-14, 4-5 OVC) defeated Tennessee State (10-11, 5-4) in five sets on Friday (25-13, 20-25, 22-25, 27-25, 17-15).

After an early point-for-point contest, the Redhawks led with a slight 10-9 lead. Southeast's defense began to overpower TSU, earning two blocks, forcing multiple errors during a seven-point run. The Redhawks continued their momentum, cruising to a 25-13 finish after taking the final four rallies of the set. Southeast finished the frame with 12 kills and a .387 hitting clip and three team blocks.

The Tigers took an early lead, remaining ahead of the Redhawks throughout the second frame. Multiple scoring bursts by TSU allowed for a 21-14 advantage entering a Southeast time out. Refusing to fall, the Redhawks claimed seven of the next eight points to pull within one (22-21). The Tigers fended of the attempted comeback, claiming the set 25-21 and tying the match at a set apiece.

TSU's momentum continued early in the third, jumping out a 12-7 lead. The Redhawks began to chip away at the lead, tying the match at both16 and 17 off kills by Nzingha Clarke. Southeast took a temporary two-point lead off a Krissa Gearring kill before TSU fought back to tie at 19-19. The Redhawks took another lead, only to be answered by a five-point run of the Tigers. TSU finished the set 25-22, taking a 2-1 match lead. Madalyn Werths and Clarke each tallied four of the Redhawks 13 kills in the frame.

Tied at 10 in the fourth set, Southeast mounted back-to-back four-point rallies to take an 18-12 advantage. Down 23-17, the Tigers claimed the next six points to force a late tie. A late block by Taylor Masterson and Jessica McElderry proved to be the difference for the Redhawks, earning a 27-25 victory and forcing a fifth and final set. Southeast tallied another four team blocks, bringing their match total to 12.

The final frame saw both teams answering point for point until TSU drew and 8-8 tie. The Tigers then earned three straight points to claim a slight advantage of the Redhawks. Down 13-10, quick kills by Gearring and Werths allowed Southeast gain control in the set, taking a 14-13 lead over TSU. The Tigers responded with two kills of their own to take advantage, 15-14, late in the frame. With their backs against the wall, the Redhawks offense ignited to earn three straight kills to steal the final set 17-15 and claim a 3-2 match victory.

After the match, Coach Yankus commented Werths' and Clarke's invidivual efforts. "Maddie had another great performance tonight. Their libero really slowed her down at the beginning of the match but she adjusted and started dominating. Her offensive range is simply amazing. Nzingha also owned the net tonight. When we can get her the ball, she almost always terminates. She had another great defensive night at the net too. I think her presence at the net scares our opponents."

Yankus continued, "I'm very proud of the way we fought tonight. Our young team showed a lot of heart and determination in pressure situations. We just need to continue to capitalize on every opportunity presented to us."

Werths led the Redhawks with a repeat performance of 19 kills and no errors. Clarke followed with 13 kills and a .444 hitting clip in the match. Keegan Fornoff and Katarina Rotta tallied 26 and 25 assists respectively, as Fornoff earned her second double-double of the season. Marie Less led defensively registering 22 of the team's 91 digs.

Southeast will take the court again Saturday against Belmont at 2 p.m.