Friday, August 28
Cape Girardeau, Mo.
12:00 PM
Southeast Missouri State University
0-1,0-0OVC
0
vs
3
Western Kentucky
1-0,0-0CUSA
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Ky. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Southeast Mo. St. | 23 | 13 | 20 | 0 |
Photo by: SEMO Creative Media
Volleyball Falls in Season Opener
8/28/2026 2:03:00 PM | Volleyball
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri fell to Western Kentucky in straight sets, 25-23, 25-13, 25-20, on Friday at Houck Field House.
The first set began with the Redhawks (0-1) taking an early lead, opening with a kill by Jacey Young, assisted by Lucy Arndt, for the first point. The scoring remained close as both teams exchanged service errors. Arndt and Reagan Nelson both contributed multiple kills, helping the home team maintain a slight edge. The Hilltoppers (1-0), however, capitalized on a series of attack errors and a service ace from Kate Rush to level the score at 17-17. Kaira Knox's consistent performance, including four kills in the latter part of the set, was pivotal for the Hilltoppers as they edged out a narrow 25-23 victory in the opening set.
The Hilltoppers built a commanding lead in the second set with a series of impactful plays. The set started with a service error by Nelson, giving the Hilltoppers an early advantage. Knox and Faith Young contributed with key kills, extending the Hilltoppers' lead. Rush's service ace and consistent setting played a pivotal role, as did several service errors from SEMO., allowing the Hilltoppers to maintain momentum. The Hilltoppers closed the set decisively, with Eliza McKnight's kill from Rush securing the final point at 25-13.
Western Kentucky started the third set strong with a 4-0 lead, benefiting from two service aces by Rush. SEMO responded with a kill by Nelson, but Western Kentucky maintained its momentum, extending the lead to 6-2. The Redhawks attempted to close the gap, with Marin Johnson and Alaina Lester contributing key kills. However, their efforts were met with resistance, as Rush and Young led a series of attacks that pushed Western Kentucky to a 22-18 advantage. Despite a late service error by Western Kentucky, the visitors clinched the set 25-20, with Nelson's attack error ending the match.
Southeast Mo. St. Top Performers
Lucy Arndt
----------------------
- 9 kills
- 4 digs
- 1 solo block
- 10 points total
Megan Holder
----------------------
- 12 assists
- 8 digs
Reagan Nelson
----------------------
- 8 kills
- 8 digs
- 8 points total
Marin Johnson
----------------------
- 8 kills
- 1 block assist
- 8.5 points total
Looking ahead, Southeast Missouri State will face Western Kentucky on Saturday at noon, before hosting No. 25 ranked Oregon at 6 p.m.
The first set began with the Redhawks (0-1) taking an early lead, opening with a kill by Jacey Young, assisted by Lucy Arndt, for the first point. The scoring remained close as both teams exchanged service errors. Arndt and Reagan Nelson both contributed multiple kills, helping the home team maintain a slight edge. The Hilltoppers (1-0), however, capitalized on a series of attack errors and a service ace from Kate Rush to level the score at 17-17. Kaira Knox's consistent performance, including four kills in the latter part of the set, was pivotal for the Hilltoppers as they edged out a narrow 25-23 victory in the opening set.
The Hilltoppers built a commanding lead in the second set with a series of impactful plays. The set started with a service error by Nelson, giving the Hilltoppers an early advantage. Knox and Faith Young contributed with key kills, extending the Hilltoppers' lead. Rush's service ace and consistent setting played a pivotal role, as did several service errors from SEMO., allowing the Hilltoppers to maintain momentum. The Hilltoppers closed the set decisively, with Eliza McKnight's kill from Rush securing the final point at 25-13.
Western Kentucky started the third set strong with a 4-0 lead, benefiting from two service aces by Rush. SEMO responded with a kill by Nelson, but Western Kentucky maintained its momentum, extending the lead to 6-2. The Redhawks attempted to close the gap, with Marin Johnson and Alaina Lester contributing key kills. However, their efforts were met with resistance, as Rush and Young led a series of attacks that pushed Western Kentucky to a 22-18 advantage. Despite a late service error by Western Kentucky, the visitors clinched the set 25-20, with Nelson's attack error ending the match.
Southeast Mo. St. Top Performers
Lucy Arndt
----------------------
- 9 kills
- 4 digs
- 1 solo block
- 10 points total
Megan Holder
----------------------
- 12 assists
- 8 digs
Reagan Nelson
----------------------
- 8 kills
- 8 digs
- 8 points total
Marin Johnson
----------------------
- 8 kills
- 1 block assist
- 8.5 points total
Looking ahead, Southeast Missouri State will face Western Kentucky on Saturday at noon, before hosting No. 25 ranked Oregon at 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
Outside Hitter
/ Volleyball
Setter
/ Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Volleyball
Middle Blocker
/ Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ Volleyball
Middle Blocker
/ VolleyballTeam Stats
WestKy
SEMO
Kills
38
29
Errors
9
17
Attempts
98
103
Hitting %
.296
.117
Points
48.0
33.0
Assists
26
26
Aces
6
1
Blocks
4
3
Game Leaders
Kills
9
Aces
0
Blocks
1
Kills
8
Aces
0
Blocks
1
Kills
8
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Kills
2
Aces
0
Blocks
2
Friday, June 26
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Thursday, June 04
Thursday, June 04
