CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Eastern Illinois volleyball team (6-15, 2-9 OVC) dropped their Saturday matchup with Southeast Missouri (11-10, 8-1 OVC) by a score of 0-3. The final set scores were 23-25,18-25, 17-25.

The Panthers led for most of the first set, opening up as much as a seven-point lead. However, after Eastern went up 20-13, SEMO outscored the Panthers 12-3 through the remainder of the frame to take the set. Matilda Dahlström led EIU with five kills as Catalina Rochaix handed out 10 assists.

Eastern got out to an early lead in set two, but the Redhawks put together another big scoring run that put EIU in a 15-8 hole. The Panthers clawed their way back to within three points, but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit and fell behind 0-2 in the match.

The Panthers came out strong in set three to gain an early 6-3 advantage, but SEMO scored six of the next seven points to go up 10-7. Eastern kept themselves within striking distance for much of the frame, but the Redhawks were able to separate late and clinch the 3-0 victory.

Matilda Dahlström led EIU in kills for the third consecutive outing with 10. She was followed by Ireland Hieb and Emma Schroeder with seven kills apiece.

Meanwhile, Catalina Rochaix posted another double-double with a match-high 25 assists and 10 digs.

Katie Kopshever led Eastern in digs with 13. Ariadna Pereles also posted double-digit digs with 11.

The Panthers will be back in action on Tuesday as they travel to SIUE to complete the second half of their home-and-home series against the Cougars. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. in Edwardsville.