CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.  -  SIUE volleyball dropped the series opener at reigning OVC champion Southeast Missouri on Sunday night, falling 3-1 at SEMO's Houck Field House.

After a first set that saw the Cougars muster just 11 points, SIUE stormed back to take the second set in nailbiting fashion. The third set saw both teams trading points, before the host Redhawks took control and secured a five-point set win. The fourth and final set of the match finished similarly to the first, as the Cougar attack was stifled by the formidable SEMO defense.

The Cougars were led in the match by senior Rachel McDonald, who recorded 18 kills and 13 digs to notch her first double-double of the Spring 2021 season. McDonald also collected a block assist, good for a team-best 18.5 points. SIUE freshman Sydney Hummert also contributed 12 kills and nine digs of her own to nearly record the first double-double of her collegiate career. Jordyn Klein and Grace Hurst split time at the libero spot, with Klein collecting 18 digs and Hurst recording 12. Alyse Drifka dished out 29 assists, leading the Red & White in that category.

SIUE will return to action tomorrow at 2 p.m., closing out the weekend series at SEMO. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and live stats will be available on SIUEStats.com.