Davis sets Southeast record in sweep of Eastern Illinois

Molly Davis is the shortest volleyball player in the Ohio Valley Conference.

But that hasn't prevented her from standing tall in the Southeast Missouri State record book.

Davis became the all-time digs leader in Southeast's Division I history Friday night, recording 16 during a 25-11, 25-17, 25-11 rout of visiting Eastern Illinois.

"It's exciting," the 5-foot-2 Davis said. "I really didn't expect anything like that when I came here."

Davis, who plays the specialized defensive position of libero, has been a fixture in Southeast's lineup since her freshman season.

CHUCK WU ~ cwu@semissourian.comSoutheast's Sarah Barth (left), Molly Davis, Aubrey Dondlinger and Kim Unnerstall celebrate with teammates after Friday's victory against Eastern Illinois at Houck Field House.

Davis' teammates are quick to point out that not only does she dive and slide all over the court for digs, she provides much-needed energy and enthusiasm, thanks in large part to her outgoing personality.

"She gives us all the fire back there, lots of energy," sophomore outside hitter Claire Keaton said. "She really gets us going."

Davis, who has reached double figures in digs the last 15 matches, pushed her career total to 1,536 digs. She eclipsed Tuba Meto's former Division I school record of 1,521 set from 1994 to 1997.

Davis also is a cinch to break the program's record regardless of division.

That mark of 1,637 digs was set by Leslie Caughman from 1986 to 1988, when Southeast competed in Division II. Davis has a shot to surpass it this year, but if not, then certainly next season.

CHUCK WU ~ cwu@semissourian.comAubrey Dondlinger of Southeast Missouri Redhawks goes up and spikes the ball over Eastern Illinois defender.

"It's very exciting for Molly, especially to know she has one more year," Southeast coach Renata Nowacki said.

Davis posted 637 digs last season for the program's top single-season mark since Southeast moved to Division I in 1991. That figure ranks third overall in school history.

Davis appeared almost embarrassed following Friday's match when she was asked to comment on all of her accomplishments. She was more excited about Southeast's fourth straight win.

"Whatever I can do to help the team," she said. "I'm just really pumped about the way we're playing."

While most of the attention in volleyball generally is focused on players who spike at the net, Davis said she always has been happy contributing on defense.

Southeast Missouri State's Amanda Rickhoff spikes the ball past Eastern Illinois' Jorie Dieter.

"It's my favorite part of the game," she said.

Davis, who never seems to be without a smile, has made her mark at Southeast in more than just volleyball.

Davis has a perfect 4.0 grade-point average at Southeast, after also attaining that mark in high school. She has been an OVC Medal of Honor recipient the past two years for achieving the highest possible GPA in her sport.

"It's something I work hard for," said Davis, a native of Muncie, Ind., who is majoring in sport management with an eye on becoming either a coach or administrator. "It's always been important to me."

Said Nowacki: "Molly is the kind of kid you wish you could recruit 12 of. She takes great pride in everything she does."

Davis flashed her trademark smile when asked how much she has enjoyed being at Southeast.

"I love it," she said. "I made the right decision."

The Redhawks seem to be making all the right decisions on the court these days.

Southeast (11-11, 9-5) solidified its hold on fourth place in the 10-team OVC by beating up on the last-place Panthers (4-20, 1-13).

"We're on a roll right now," junior setter Sarah Barth said. "Everything is going really well."

Keaton led Southeast with 13 kills, followed by senior Aubrey Dondlinger with 11 and sophomore Emily Hughes with nine.

Barth had a strong all-around match with 40 assists, nine digs and seven kills.

The Redhawks compiled a season-high .490 attack percentage as they had just five attack errors while recording 52 kills.

"It's nice to be playing this well toward the end of the season," said Nowacki, whose squad has four matches left before the OVC tournament.