OMAHA, Neb. – The Western Illinois volleyball team was downed Friday (Sept. 28) by the Omaha Mavericks 3-0 and fell to 1-15 (0-3) on the season.
 
Omaha jumped out to a quick start in the first set, but Western Illinois bucked a three-point Maverick lead (6-3) to tie the match at 10. The Leathernecks took a one-point advantage (11-10) that Omaha retook and expanded to 17-13 after a 4-0 run. The Leathernecks showed late life in the first game, but Omaha won the first set 25-19.
 
After the Mavericks took a 4-1 advantage to begin the second frame, the Leathernecks went on a 4-0 run to go up 5-3 in the early beginnings. The Mavs rallied and forced a Leatherneck timeout after going up 11-7.  The Leathernecks were unable to slow down a blistering Omaha offense (.424 hitting percentage through two sets) and fell in the second set, 25-15. Cassie Hunt ended the second set with a team-high nine assists. The Leathernecks fought early in the third set, but ultimately fell, 25-13.
 
Madison Dieter ended with five kills while hitting at a .400 clip. Hunt led the team with 10 assists in the match.
 
Western Illinois is back on the court on Sunday (Sept. 30) at South Dakota. First serve is set for 1 p.m.