CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri women's volleyball (1-10) was swept (16-25, 16-25, 23-25) by Southern Illinois (8-3) Tuesday night at Houck Field House.

SIU jumped out to an early advantage with a well dispersed attack. Striking quickly, the Salukis pressure prevented the Redhawks from gathering momentum and won the opening frame (25-15).

Riding their early momentum, the Salukies produced another early lead. In the second half of the game, SEMO began to regather themselves as Marie Less led the charge with five kills. While the Redhawks were able to claim a the majority of the closing points, SIU was able to close the set (25-16) and take a 2-0 match advantage.

The Redhawks refused to go quietly, pressuring the Salukis throughout the third frame. In Southeast's strongest set of the night, Krissa Gearring tallied seven kills as Rachel Poole dished out 13 assists. Battling until the closing moments, SEMO led 23-22 before SIU would reclaim the lead and close out the game (25-23) with a quick three-point run.

Gearring finished the night with 11 kills while Poole led the Redhawks in assists (27) and digs (15). Krista Berns and Nzingha Clarke provided a strong net presence for Southeast, each registering multiple solo blocks during the contest (three and two, respectively).

"I'm really proud of the way we battled in the third set tonight," commented head coach Julie Yankus. "We got off of a slow start but the team really rallied together. Our passers did an amazing job tonight. They got us in system a lot and that helped us to terminate more as the match went on. If we continue to play like we did in the third set tonight, we will be very successful as the season goes on."

The Redhawks return to action this weekend at the Leatherneck Invitational in Macomb, Illinois. Southeast will do battle with Drake and Weber State on Friday, Sept. 16, before taking on tournament host Western Illinois the next morning. The following weekend, Ohio Valley Conference play will begin.