CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri (6-12, 2-3) knocked off Eastern Kentucky (3-17, 2-3) Friday night, 3-1 (26-24, 25-20, 17-25, 25-20).

The Colonels took advantage of a slow Redhawks start, surging to an early 11-3 lead. Southeast rallied behind senior Taylor Masterson, as her three kills helped gain momentum and reduce the deficit to one (14-13). EKU responded by claiming another large lead, drawing set point 24-19. Southeast refused to fall, pressuring the Colonels' offense. Consecutive team blocks by Jessica McElderry and Madalyn Werths allowed the Redhawks to mount a seven-point rally, overtaking EKU and claiming the set, 26-24. Masterson finished the opening frame with six kills, sporting a .333 hitting clip. Southeast tallied five team blocks in the set.

Southeast continued their defensive stand, capturing the first five points of the second frame. The Redhawks remained in control throughout the set, never relinquishing their lead. EKU eventually was able to reduce the deficit to one (21-20), but the Redhawks regained command to finish the set 25-20 and take a two-set match lead. Southeast registered another six team blocks in the frame led by Nzingha Clarke's solo block and three block assists. 

Werths registered five kills in the third frame, but the Colonels refused to be swept. Taking an early 10-7 lead, EKU's assault was too much for the Redhawks as they fell 25-17, forcing a fourth frame.

After the slight hiccup, Southeast rallied early to take an 8-3 advantage. The Colonels battled but were fended off by a quick five-point Redhawk rally sparked by Krissa Gearring's ninth kill of the match. A five-kill surge by Clarke allowed Southeast to cruise forward taking the set 25-20 and defeating EKU, 3-1. Clarke and Gearring finished the frame with six and five kills respectively.

Clarke led the Redhawks with 14 kills, generating a .423 hitting clip. Gearring finished with 11 kills and 24 digs, earning her seventh double-double of the season. Katarina Rotta also registered her seventh double-double of the season, tallying 42 assists and 15 digs. The Redhawks finished with 13 team blocks, matching their season high set against Saint Louis on Aug. 28.

Afterwards, Head Coach Julie Yankus commented about the team's night. "I'm very proud of how we fought in the first set. We worked all week on pressure situations and the team remained composed and handled it extremely well.

"The team did so well adjusting tonight," Yankus continued. "Kat did a great job of coming in tonight and running an effective offense. I'm very proud of her performance tonight. Our defense was amazing. We dug some ridiculous shots simply because of our attitude and desire to fight. I'm very happy with entire team's performance and perseverance tonight."

The Redhawks host Morehead State tomorrow, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. Immediatly after the match, the team with host its annual youth clinic. All youth 18 and younger are welcome to join the team and coaches in learning the game of volleyball.