Racers Down SEMO; Advance To OVC Semis

Thursday, November 20

Racer Arena

3 p.m.

Murray State

24-5

Southeast Mo.

11-20

Southeast Missouri

Murray State

Photo by: Sam Sheffer

11/20/2014 5:28:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

The top-seeded Murray State volleyball team successfully launched its campaign to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years with a 3-0 win over eighth-seeded Southeast Missouri in the quarterfinals of the 2014 OVC Volleyball Championship Thursday at Racer Arena in Murray.

The Racers quickly jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the opening set powered by three kills from Kristen Besselsen. The Redhawks could never find their momentum and could only cut the lead to six at 17-11. From that point, Murray State threw the hammer down and cruised to a 25-17 victory.

The second set proved to be more difficult for MSU, as it quickly fell behind, 12-8. The Racers did not quit and fought to tie the set at 15 all. After the tie, the Racers took control and outscored Southeast Missouri, 10-4, down the stretch to go up two sets to none.

In the final set, the Racers got off to another hot start, quickly taking a 10-4 lead. The Redhawks then inched their way back into the set, trailing by just four at 14-10. Following Southeast's push, Murray State put together its own run and extended its lead to eight at 20-12.

Momentum however was a fickle mistress on Thursday and swung back to the Redhawks, who closed the gap to 21-17. Digging deep, the Racers were able to withstand the rally and won the set 25-19 to claim a 3-0 match win. With the win, Murray State improves to 24-5 on the year, while the Redhawks end their season at 11-20.

Besselsen led Murray State in the match with 15 kills, while Alyssa Lelm followed with 13. Scottie Ingram and Sam Bedard both had a match-high 19 digs, with Ingram adding eight kills and Bedard tallying 36 assists.

The Racers now advance to the semi-finals of the championship where they will take on the winner of Thursday's opening round finale between No. 4 Jacksonville State and No. 5 Tennessee Tech. MSU's match will begin at 7:00 p.m. or 45 minutes following the first semi-final between No. 2 Belmont and No. 6 Eastern Illinois.