EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Southeast Missouri State (19-12, 11-6 OVC) claimed a 3-1 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (12-16, 7-10 OVC) on Tuesday evening at First Community Arena, with scores of 17-25, 25-16, 25-17, and 25-21. Southeast Missouri State recorded a team hitting percentage of .299 and secured seven service aces to overcome the early deficit.
 
First Set  
- The Cougars took an early lead with kills from Sophie Robinson and Grace Nichols, assisted by Paige Bernstein, establishing a 2-0 advantage.  
- SEMO responded with Marin Johnson's kill and a service ace, leveling the score at 5-5.  
- SIUE regained momentum with a 6-1 run, featuring key kills from Kennedy Pike and Robinson, extending their lead to 11-6.  
- Nina Schuberth served up her 50^th ace of the season.
- Teagan Sullivan's service ace capped off the Cougars' dominance in the set, securing a 25-17 victory. 
 
Second Set  
- Southeast Missouri State took an early 3-1 lead, bolstered by a block from Alaina Lester and Johnson. 
- Katherine St. John and Ramiri Gardner each contributed key kills, helping the team stretch their advantage to 10-5.  
- Alandry Below delivered a service ace to extend the lead to 15-8, showcasing the team's momentum. 
- Lucy Arndt's decisive kill closed the set at 25-16, solidifying Southeast Missouri control.  
 
Third Set  
- Johnson contributed with two early kills, while Arndt added one to keep SEMO competitive at the start.  
- SEMO pulled ahead with a 5-0 run, featuring a service ace and two kills by Kara Oxenknecht.  
- Arndt continued her strong performance with multiple kills, extending the visitor's lead to 21-13. 
- Lester's kill secured the set for SEMO, closing the period with a 25-17 advantage.
 
Fourth Set  
- Robinson opened scoring for the Cougars with a kill assisted by Bernstein.  
- Johnson delivered three consecutive kills for the Redhawks, leveling the score at 4-4.  
- Oxenknecht's two kills, both set up by Below, pushed the visitors ahead 8-6.  
- Lucy Arndt picked up her 400^th kill of the season
- SEMO sealed the set 25-21 with a kill from Lester, assisted by Megan Holder.  
 
Looking ahead, Southeast Missouri State will face the Cougars on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in Edwardsville, Illinois. This matchup will see Southeast Missouri State on the road, aiming to secure a victory away from home.