BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Southeast Missouri (1-5) lost to Radford (6-0) in straight sets (25-17, 25-21, 25-18) on Saturday afternoon in their final match of the UAB/Samford Challenge.

Falling behind in the first, Redhawks head coach Julie Yankus called an early timeout to halt Radford's momentum. Behind two errors by RU and multiple Krissa Gearring kills, Southeast was able quickly regain it's footing to pull within two points (16-14). RU, however, bounced back to piece together a five-point run, distancing themselves and eventually claiming the opening frame (25-17).

The Highlanders jumped out to another early lead in the second game. Battling back, SEMO was able to earn a 14-13 advantage off back-to-back service aces from Jade Mortimer. RU then mounted a six-point rally into a Southeast timeout. Radford managed to stave off a late comeback attempt, taking a 2-0 advantage in the match.

While Southeast maintained a slight edge during the third set, Radford was able to overtake the Redhawks and finish the sweep with a 25-18 set victory.

Mortimer finished the contest with a team leading 14 digs as Marie Less followed with 11. Gearring led the Redhawks offense with nine kills while also adding seven digs.

Southeast returns to action Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana. The Redhawks will be aired live on ESPN3 at WatchESPN.com as they take on the Evansville Purple Aces.