SPRINGFIELD -- Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball team opened the 1997 season Friday by splitting two matches in the Southwest Missouri State Bear Challenge.

The Otahkians lost to Butler 15-7, 15-10, 15-8 in the morning, then bounced back in the afternoon to defeat St. Louis University 15-2, 15-11, 8-15, 15-12.

Southeast will have two more matches today, taking on host Southwest Missouri at 12:30 p.m. and Western Illinois at 5 p.m.

In Friday's loss to Butler, Krista Haukap had 13 kills and Angie Aschoff added nine. Jackie Derwort led the way in digs with 12 and Tuba Meto handed out 28 assists.

Derwort came up with 16 kills and Aschoff again had nine during the win over St. Louis. Aschoff also had 18 digs while Meto contributed 35 assists and five service aces.