Aug. 28, 2010

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PEORIA, ILL.- The Southeast Missouri volleyball team bounced back with a decisive 3-1 win over the Leathernecks of Western Illinois. Senior Kelly Benacka recorded a career high 31 digs.

The Redhawks won the first set 25-18, keyed by great defensive plays by Meagan Webb. Webb was on the floor from the beginning serve, playing a crucial part in the Redhawks early lead. They took a 13-5 advantage, and converted that into a 19-10 lead, and finally a 25-18 win.

Western Illinois led in attacks 47-41 after the first set, but the Redhawks converted on 11 attacks, compared the Leathernecks nine.

In the second set, the Redhawks opened with an 8-6 advantage after a few miscues by the Leathernecks. Freshman Emily Coon provided the Redhawks with a spark, which helped the team with some dazzling defensive plays. The Redhawks made zero errors in the second set, while finishing with 11 kills.

Freshman Julie Shives had seven assists and had three kills on three attempts.

Kelly Benacka had seven digs in the set.

In the third set, the Redhawks could not pull off the sweep, as they fell 25-23. Colleen Yarber led the way with four kills on ten attempts.

Southeast finished off the Leathernecks in the fourth set, winning 25-22. Western Illinois kept the set close, but the Redhawks were able to uphold the lead. Julie Shives dished out nine assists, and three digs. Emily Coon had three kills on four attempts.

The Redhawks finished the match with a .188 attack percentage, and were paced by Yarber's 11 kills, and Claire Keaton's ten. Shives had 31 digs, three service aces, and nine digs.

Sophomore Samantha Lowman, who played in three of the four sets stated, "It's a great day to be a Redhawk."

Bradley will host the Redhawks tonight at 7:00 p.m. to conclude the tournament.