The UT Martin Skyhawks welcomed the SEMO Redhawks for a weekend series at the Skyhawk Fieldhouse, where the Skyhawks ended up dropping both games.
The Redhawks are currently tied for first in the OVC with a record of 9-1 in conference play, while the Skyhawks are sixth at 4-6.
In game one, the Skyhawks struck first with the first two points but lost the lead and could not gain it back. In the final points of set one, the Skyhawks stayed knocking on the Redhawks’ door yet failed to tie it, losing the set 25-21.
Despite striking first again in set two, the set started to slip away due to the Redhawks’ offensive firepower. The Redhawks kept a steady lead over the Skyhawks for the majority of the set. The Redhawks’ momentum proved too much for the Skyhawks, taking set two 25-16.
In set three, the Skyhawks did not produce a lead the entire set. Errors paid a part in the Skyhawks set three loss, completing the Redhawks sweep for game one.
Heading into game two, the Skyhawks needed to dig deep. The Skyhawks showed more fight in the first set, exchanging leads and tying with the Redhawks, trailing behind only sparingly. Despite the Skyhawks’ spirit, the Redhawks managed to sustain pressure with their offensive efforts and courtside energy. The Redhawks took set one 25-20.
In set two, the Skyhawks stayed on top of the Redhawks with help from their middle blockers. During crunch time, the Skyhawks managed to tie it at 22-22, yet lost the set due to three unanswered points.
“I thought in the second set for us, I was really proud of our girls in their fight,” said Skyhawks Head Coach Jaclynn Willson.
Set three for the Skyhawks was a must-win, yet they could not sustain their lead after the Redhawks tied it at 8-8. The Skyhawks’ momentum came to a halt, as the Redhawks could not be contained. The Skyhawks dropped set three 25-16.
The Redhawks have been a tough opponent this season and one that teams have been struggling against.
“I knew it was going to be really difficult,” said Wilson. “I think for us right now, we’re fighting for the best seed we can get in the conference, and we’re fighting to get better as a team.”
Despite the losses, the standouts in both games were the Skyhawks’ middle blockers. In game one, sophomore middle blocker Sophie Diouf and freshman middle blocker Rylee Key both had nine kills, leading the team’s offense. In game two, Key and sophomore middle blocker Carly Mueller lead the offense with nine and 11 kills respectively.
“Rylee Key, I couldn’t be more proud of her composure on the court, her intensity and the numbers she’s been putting up,” said Wilson. “This weekend as a whole, she was the top in kills and definitely led us in hitting percentage. Carly played really well as well. Our two middles led us in kills, so I was really happy to see that.”
“I’m definitely sad about the outcome, but I am very proud of the team for fighting back,” said Key.
Key, despite only being a freshman, has been a core asset for the team and has been getting consistent time on the floor.
“I’m definitely very thankful and grateful for it,” said Key. “We’re all here for the same reasons. We all have talent, so just try to come in and I’ll play as hard as I can.”
The Skyhawks will head onto the road to face off against the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:00 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana.
“It’s been nice to be home for a weekend, but we’re ready,” said Wilson. “My mindset is you want to win; we’re fighting to build momentum to go in the tournament.”
