Leathernecks Fall in Three at Denver

Western continues road trip with Sunday, November 1, match at Omaha

Box Score
DENVER, Colo. – The Western Illinois volleyball team took to the Rocky Mountains Friday (Oct. 30) evening for a Summit League contest against the Pioneers of Denver. The Leathernecks pushed Denver in the opening set, forcing extra points, but ultimately dropped a 3-0 decision. WIU falls to 3-23 (1-10 Summit League) while Denver improves to 21-6 (9-3).

"We saw some really good things in the first set, and have to keep that momentum and finish out," said head coach Kelly Richardson. "Coming out in the second and third we just didn't refocus or recover. We continue to struggle with the technical details all the way through the match, and that is reflectedin the consistency of our play. We will come in and work through the deails tomorrow as we have a quick turnaround to prepare for our next match."

It was a back and forth affair in the opening set, as extra points were needed to determine a winner. Western took an early 5-3 lead after three consecutive points by the Purple and Gold. A tandem block by Peyton Crosser and Jordan Jackson opened the run while a kill by Krishna Merriman ended the run.

WIU built a three point lead at 18-15, and forced the Pioneers to take a timeout. Merriman was called upon for another kill, and Crosser followed with one of her own to help put Western ahead by three. The Leathernecks upped their cushion to four at 23-19 after Reilly Dunne connected from the outside courtesy of an Abby Skryd assist. The Pioneers had three chances at set point, as the two sides were forced to go into extra points, but each time the Leathernecks stood tall to keep the set alive. The fourth Pioneer attempt to claim the set was successful, as they opened the evening's scoring with a 29-27 victory.

Western's offense was never able to get on track in the second set, as the team found itself in an early 7-1 hole. The Purple and Gold were unable to answer, and dropped the set by a 25-12 margin as the teams headed to the locker room.

Denver's offense heated up in the third and final set, as the team hit at a .500 clip to put the pressure on Western. The Leathernecks rallied late behind a kill from Crosser and an ace from Morgyn Bullock on consecutive points, but fell by a score of 25-16.

Melanie Patenaude's nine kills led the way for Western Friday evening, while Bullock and Skryd handled the setting duties, posting 16 and 13 assists, respectively. Dunne tallied a team-high 12 digs on the night for WIU.

Western travels to Omaha for a Sunday, November 1, match against the Mavericks. First serve is set for 1 p.m. inside Baxter Arena. Sunday's contest will be the first Omaha sporting event to be held in the brand new arena.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Peyton Crosser: OH; 6' 2"; Senior; Ottumwa / Indian Hills CC

#15 Jordan Jackson: M; 6' 0"; Senior; Annawan

#23 Krishna Merriman: M/OH; 6' 1"; Junior; Pierce City / Missouri Southern State

#9 Morgyn Bullock: DS; 5' 7"; Freshman; North Polk

#7 Melanie Patenaude: OH; 5' 10"; Freshman; Cherry Creek

#4 Abby Skryd: S; 5' 8"; Freshman; Neuqua Valley

#12 Reilly Dunne: OH/DS; 5' 9"; Junior; Limestone Community / Illinois Central College

Players Mentioned

#11 Peyton Crosser
: 6' 2"; Senior; Ottumwa / Indian Hills CC
: OH

#15 Jordan Jackson
: 6' 0"; Senior; Annawan
: M

#23 Krishna Merriman
: 6' 1"; Junior; Pierce City / Missouri Southern State
: M/OH

#9 Morgyn Bullock
: 5' 7"; Freshman; North Polk
: DS

#7 Melanie Patenaude
: 5' 10"; Freshman; Cherry Creek
: OH

#4 Abby Skryd
: 5' 8"; Freshman; Neuqua Valley
: S

#12 Reilly Dunne
: 5' 9"; Junior; Limestone Community / Illinois Central College
: OH/DS