Volleyball Battles, But Falls To SEMO

Friday, November 2

Racer Arena

7:00 p.m.

Murray State

4-19, 2-11OVC

Southeast Missouri

18-11, 10-3OVC

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Southeast Mo. St.	25	23	25	25	3
Murray St.	22	25	20	22	1

Photo by: Murray State Sports Information

11/2/2012 10:22:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

On Friday night at Racer Arena the Murray State volleyball team stayed with division-leading Southeast Missouri every step of the way, but in the end the Redhawks proved to be too much for the Racers, escaping with a 3-1 decision.

The match was a tale of two halves. In the first and second set, the Racers (4-19, 2-11) hit .324 and .278, respectively, narrowly losing the first, 25-22, and taking the second, 25-23. Despite close scores in the final two sets, 25-20 and 25-22, Murray State hit just .094 in the third set and .020 in the fourth set.

Despite hitting at .020 in the frame, the Racers had a chance to force a decisive fifth set right until then end, trailing by just two at 22-20. The Redhawks then pushed the score to 24-20; however it would take them three match points to finally put away MSU at 25-22.

Despite the loss and being eliminated from playoff contention, it was a night of personal bests for the Racers. Senior Lydia Orf notched a career-high 25 digs in the match, while freshman Emily Schmahl also turned in a career best with a match-high 20 kills.

Senior Wendi Zickfield turned in season-highs of 16 kills and 17 digs and in doing so recorded her second double-double in as many matches. Freshman Kristen Besselsen also had a big night as she rounded out three Racers in double-digit kills with 10.

Freshman Alyssa Lelm notched one solo block and a block assist on the night to officially put her in a tie with Danielle Sutterer (2003) for the 10th best single-season block assist total in MSU history. Last week, Lelm moved in to sole possession of 10th place in total blocks and needs just six to catch ninth-place Katie Kemezys (2006).

Southeast junior Emily Coon (Imperial, Mo.) notched 16 kills and tied a school record with 12 total blocks to lead the Redhawks and leave Murray a double-double.

Murray State returns to Racer Arena on Saturday night for a 6 p.m., face-off with UT Martin.