ST. LOUIS – The Billikens bested Southeast Missouri 3-2 in the finale of the Missouri Challenge on Saturday afternoon at Chaifetz Pavilion.
 
Saint Louis earned its second consecutive reverse sweep and remained unbeaten at home. The 6-0 mark inside Chaifetz Pavilion is the program's best home start since 2007. The Billikens also collected their eighth nonconference win of the season, the most under head coach Andrea Beaty-Cain.
 
SET 1: SEMO 25, SLU 20
The Redhawks grabbed the first two-point lead at 10-8 and stretched it to 22-14 before the Billikens mounted a late rally. SLU trimmed the deficit to 23-20, but SEMO closed the set to take the opener. Tamia Maddox tallied four kills and added seven digs to lead the Billikens' early effort.
 
SET 2: SEMO 25, SLU 21
SEMO jumped out to a 5-1 advantage, though Saint Louis battled back to get within one at 6-5. The Billikens tied the set at 19 before the Redhawks regained momentum to finish on a decisive run. SEMO's consistency at the net gave them a two-set cushion.
 
SET 3: SLU 25, SEMO 19
Saint Louis turned the match around with its strongest finish of the night. After trailing 17-15, the Billikens closed on an 8-1 run, scoring eight of the final nine points to claim the set.
 
SET 4: SLU 25, SEMO 16
The Billikens carried momentum into the fourth, jumping out to a 12-5 lead and later pushing it to 15-7. SEMO closed within four at 19-15, but Saint Louis responded with a 6-1 run to force a decisive fifth set. The commanding win showcased SLU's depth and control at the net.
 
SET 5: SLU 16, SEMO 14
The Redhawks looked poised to clinch the match with an early 5-1 lead and a 14-12 advantage late. Saint Louis refused to fold, saving two match points before rattling off four straight to seal the comeback. Jetta Brenning anchored the rally with steady distribution and defense, finishing with a career-high 18 digs.
 
Notables

• Jetta Brenning posted a double-double with 54 assists, plus career highs with 18 digs and six kills.
• Ellie Rink powered the attack with 26 kills and added 16 digs.
• Chloe Maughan anchored the defense with 22 digs and six assists.
• Tamia Maddox chipped in four kills and a career-high 21 digs.
• Kayla Jansen contributed nine kills and seven total blocks.
• Tea Kalajdzic provided a spark off the bench in the comeback effort with seven kills and three block assists.

UP NEXT
The Billikens open up Atlantic 10 play on the road at George Mason on Friday, September 26 at 5 p.m.