The UTM Skyhawk volleyball team continues to soar in the OVC. For the third week in a row, the team in still sitting in the nuber one spot with a perfect 5-0 record.

The team faced tough challenges last week against OVC rivals Southeast Missouri State and Eastern Illinois. However, niether SEMO nor EIU could top Chris Rushing's team. Though in-state rival, University of Memphis ,would end UTM’s eight game overall winning streak in a five game slugfest.

SEMO was the victim for the Skyhawk OVC onslaught last Friday. The Otahkians came into town looking to unseat the number one Skyhawks, but were held off by a narrow margin. UTM held off SEMO 30-28 in the first two games, and went into the break feeling comfortable with a two game advantage.

SEMO utilized the break and caught the Skyhawks off guard in game three, claiming victory with a final score of 30-22.

The ‘hawks were not done in by a long shot. Led by Senior Outside Hitters Natalie Klevan and Rachel Ahlers, UTM hammered the Otahkians into submission winning the game 30-26, and taking the match 3-1.

EIU came to town the following night, and found out just like SEMO, that it is tough to beat an opponent at home. The Skyhawks pounded their way through game one and soared to an easy 30-14 victory. But just like the saying goes, “if its too good to be true, it probably is.”

The Panthers came out in game two and, led by Erica Gerth, shocked the Skyhawks by taking the game two 30-26. Coach Rushing took his team in at the break and regrouped. When the ‘hawks came back after intermission, it was all business.

UTM, led by Rachel Ahlers, blasted away at the Panthers taking game three 30-25. In game four, it became a massacre. The Skyhawks blasted the ball past EIU defenders and took the game 30-17, and the match 3-1. The Skyhawks looked pratically unbeatable, but the Tigers of Memphis were waiting on the horizon.

The Team traveled to the home of Elvis, Delta Blues and the University of Memphis Tigers Tuesday. The Skyhawks were looking to improve on their winning streak while the Tigers were looking for a another victim to add to their win column. Both teams slugged it out in the first game, but Memphis just managed enough steam in the end to break the tie and pull out the win 34-32.

The Skyhawks battled back in game two with strong offensive play from Klevan, Ahlers, Lindsey Stock and Leigh Reiniche. The ‘hawks took the lead and poured it on taking game two 30-25.

Memphis came back from the intermission on a mission, they wanted to put UTM away for good. Tiara Gilkey and Nancy Kellams led the Tiger onslaught as they took game three 30-20.

The Skyhawks were down, but definately not out. Rushing’s wrecking crew slammed point for point with Memphis, but finally got the upper hand and took game four 31-29.

In game five, the Skyhawks steam finally ran out. The team battled courageously, but fell to the hard-hitting Tiger team 15-9. Memphis took the match 3-2.

The Skyhawks now look to take on Austin Peay tonight and get back to their winning ways.