CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE volleyball was unable to overcome a trio of slow starts Friday against Southeast Missouri, falling to the Redhawks in three sets (17-25, 14-25, 24-26).
SEMO controlled the opening set early as the Cougars struggled to find much offensive rhythm, hitting -0.031 in the first. While the Cougars put together a five-point run late in the first set to cut the deficit to six, the Redhawks responded by scoring three of the next four points to close out the opening frame 25-17.
The Cougars were able to keep the second set close early, opening with a 2-0 lead and keeping it tied at 8-8. The Redhawks later created separation midway through the set, using a 13-2 run to take control and claim the second set, 25-14.
SIUE responded with their strongest offensive showing of the night in the third set, recording 14 kills while hitting .355. The Cougars and Redhawks battled throughout the entirety of the frame with neither team able to pull away late. SIUE held a one-point lead late before SEMO forced the set to go to extra points and claimed the match 26-24.
Sophie Robinson led the Cougar offense with eight kills and 15 digs.
Kennedy Pike tallied five kills, while
Jehireh Williams added four more on a .273 attack percentage. SIUE also continued their strong serving, adding eight aces to their OVC-leading average of 1.77 service aces per set.
SIUE will have an opportunity to bounce back Saturday with a rematch versus SEMO, with first serve is set for 1 p.m.
