CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -  Southeast Missouri (1-2) fell to Louisiana Tech (1-2) in five sets Saturday afternoon in the final match of the 2016 Redhawks Invitational to take second-place in the tournament.

Southeast jumped to a strong start in part to several kills by Krissa Gearring and Madeline Grimm. The Redhawks were able to keep the Lady Techsters at bay and take the opening game 25-20. Jessica McElderry had several strong service sequences as she was able to earn three aces.

Controlling the match, SEMO jumped out to a 16-5 advantage in the second set off a nine-point rally. Using a strong net presence, Southeast forced multiple errors and quickly claimed a 25-17 victory and a 2-0 match advantage. During the game, McElderry registered two more service aces to set a new career high of five.

After a brief intermission, LA Tech responded to the Southeast's pressure by battling point for point until drawing a tie at 21. Falling behind, Tech called for their second timeout and eventually regrouped to string together four-straight points and overtake SEMO and force a fourth frame. Continuing off their late momentum, LA Tech would eventually force a fifth set and claim a 3-2 match victory.

Gearring finished the day with 19 kills and 12 digs for her third double-double in as many games. Nzingha Clarke tallied 12 kills and four block assists. Marie Less also registered 10 kills in the contest while tacking on 15 digs.

After the match, Gearring and Jade Mortimer were both named to the 2016 Redhawks Invitational All-Tournament Team.

The Redhawks return to action next weekend, Sept. 2-3, at the Blazer Classic in Birmingham, Alabama.

2016 Redhawks Invitational Final Standings
 1. UIC (3-0)
2. Southeast Missouri (1-2)
3. Louisiana Tech (1-2)
4. New Orleans (1-2)
 
All-Tournament Team
MVP - Alyssa Ehrhardt – UIC
Kelsie Groot – UIC
Kara Johnson – UIC
Krissa Gearring – SEMO
Jade Mortimer – SEMO  
Angela Papach – LA Tech
Keke Richards – UNO