STARKVILLE, Miss.- Southeast Missouri (1-2) fell in four sets to North Alabama (2-0), by a final score of 3-1 at the Newell-Grissom Building on Saturday afternoon.

The first set opened with the Redhawks gaining an early advantage with Alaina Lester's kill from a set by Megan Holder, but North Alabama quickly responded to take a 3-1 lead. The Redhawks then showed resilience with a series of plays, including an Avery Torrey kill and a block by Torrey, which brought the score to a tie at 4-4. The Redhawks managed to close a four-point gap late in the set, tying the score at 24-24 with consecutive kills from Lucy Arndt, both assisted by Alandry Below. Despite this late rally, North Alabama secured the set with a 26-24 victory following a kill by Dylann Garner.

In the second set, SEMO's resilience was evident as they edged out a 25-23 victory over North Alabama. The set opened with a close exchange of points until Marin Johnson's kill brought the Redhawks to within one at 6-5. Torrey contributed significantly with multiple kills, including one that tied the score at 16-16. Below and Arndt were also pivotal, sparking a comeback to draw level at 18-18. Katy St. John secured the final point with a decisive kill, sealing the set win for the Redhawks.

The third set started with a strong showing from SEMO, as they quickly took a 5-0 lead, highlighted by Nina Schuberth's service ace at the start and Arndt's kill from Holder's set. Despite the early advantage, North Alabama managed to close the gap, tying the score at 10-10 with consistent offensive pressure. The teams exchanged points, as Kara Oxenknecht and Johnson each contributed key kills to keep the score tight. Ultimately, North Alabama edged out SEMO in a close set, 25-22, with the final point coming off a setting error. 

The fourth set began with a quick exchange of points before North Alabama established a 4-1 lead, highlighted by a kill from Reese Ricketts. The Redhawks narrowed the gap to 4-3 with a service ace from Below. UNA regained control, extending their lead to 15-11, with Garner and Kendall Barnes contributing multiple kills. Despite a late push by SEMO, with key plays from Arndt and St. John, North Alabama maintained their advantage and secured the set 25-18, concluding the match. Johnson and Holder were notable contributors for SEMO, each recording a kill.

Southeast Mo. St. Top Performers  

Nina Schuberth  
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- 22 digs  
- three assists  
- one service ace  

Alaina Lester  
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- seven kills (1 error, 18 attempts) with a .333 hitting percentage  
- five block assists  
- 9.5 points total  

Alandry Below  
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- 21 assists  
- nine digs  
- one service ace  

Megan Holder  
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- one kill on one attempt with a 1.000 hitting percentage  
- 22 assists  
- 13 digs  
- one service ace  

Next up for SEMO Volleyball awaits on Sept. 4 in Bloomington, Ind., where they will face Indiana. First serve is set for 6 p.m., CT.