MACOMB, Ill. - Southeast Missouri volleyball (1-13) lost in three sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) to Western Illinois (3-10) on Saturday at the final day of the Hampton Inn Leatherneck Invitational.

The Redhawks mounted two strong comebacks after falling behind during the opening game, eventually pulling within three late in the frame (22-19). WIU was able to ice Southeast by calling a timeout, however, and go on to win 25-20. Nzingha Clarke led the Redhawks during the set with seven kills and an impressive .600 hitting percentage.

The Fighting Leathernecks jumped out to another quick lead in the second set and fended off the Redhawks' efforts to claim a lead to take a 2-0 match advantage. Krissa Gearring registered six kills in the second frame to lead SEMO offensively.

WIU went on to sweep the game with a final 25-18 set victory.

Gearring and Clarke both finished with 11 kills in the match. Clarke ended the day with a .556 hitting clip, adding a solo block and four block assists. 

Katarina Rotta led SEMO with 18 assists while Rachel Poole also tallied 12 of her own. Jade Mortimer led defensively accumulating 19 digs.

Clarke was also named to the Hampton Inn Leatherneck Invitational All-Tournament Team for her effort throughout the weekend.

The Redhawks will open Ohio Valley Conference play next weekend, Sept. 23-24. Southeast will travel to battle Austin Peay on Saturday night at 6 p.m. followed by Murray State the next afternoon at 2 p.m.