WHO | Western Illinois vs. Purdue Fort Wayne and South Dakota State

WHEN | Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27 at. 1 p.m. 

WHERE | Macomb, Ill.

WATCH | Purdue Fort Wayne, South Dakota State 

LIVE STATS | Here

SOCIAL MEDIA | Twitter #TRADITIONofTOUGH

FIRST SERVE | Western Illinois women's volleyball will host the weeks Summit League matchups. Starting with Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday (Oct. 22) and South Dakota State on Sunday (Oct. 27).

STAUPE SAYS | "We are ready for the second half of conference play to begin," said head coach Ben Staupe. "The team is looking forward to having six of its last eight games at home in Western Hall. We need to continue to work on execution and offensive and defensive efficiency."

LAST TIME OUT | After a historic sweep the weekend prior against Oral Roberts, the Leathernecks hit the road to take on South Dakota and Denver. In the first match of the weekend, Western Illinois took on the top team in the Summit League, South Dakota. In the battle with number one WIU out served the Coyotes with Jessie Connell and JoJo Kruize both notching two aces. Kruize also led the offensive efforts Friday night with eight kills followed by Madeline Dieter with six as she finished the with a .364 hitting percentage on the right side. Sunday, Mackenzie Steckler led the team with a .412 hitting percentage and eight kills to a close third set. Western Illinois dropped both matches to the strong opponents putting their Summit League record at 2-6.

STOPPED BY STECKLER | As a team, the Leathernecks have only been out-blocked by five of their opponents in the 2019 season. With a total of 155 blocks on the season so far, a season-high for the team came against Mississippi State were the team totaled 28 blocks, Steckler, alone, out-blocking the opponent with 12. Steckler currently sits at first in the league for total blocks this season with 99 blocks as well as placing third for blocks per set. Nationally Steckler's blocking performance places her at 14th in total blocks and tied for 31st in blocks per set among NCAA Division I players. 

ROCKY'S ROOKIES | Western Illinois has added five new players to its volleyball roster this 2109 season with four freshmen and one transfer. Two rookies leading the way for WIU are Gabby DePersio with 244 digs and Connell with 380 assists as well as 32 aces. Kruize joining the team for her final season has made major impact for the Leathernecks with 159 kills thus far. Also making an impact both Elle Shult and Aubrey Putman have seen success so far this season. Putman with 162 digs (second on the team) and 94 kills and Shult with 82 kills and 41 blocks.

SETTERS BACK TO SERVE | Aside from both racking up assists in their 6-2 offensive system, Western's setters have found a way to score additional points for the Leathernecks behind the service line. Against North Dakota State on Oct. 6, both setters were able to rack up two additional aces aiding the team in out-serving the Bison. Connell leading the team and is second in the league in service aces this season with 32. Hunt follows close behind with 21 aces falling at seventh in the league. 

SCOUTING THE MASTODONS |  The Mastodons are led by head coach Steve Florio in his sixth season. Purdue Fort Wayne is currently 12-10 and 6-2 in conference coming off a 1-1 weekend where they defeated South Dakota State in five. Leading the team with 297 kills is junior outside hitter, Katie Crowe. Leading with assists for the Mastodons is sophomore, Madison Gates, with 477 assists. A part of the summit league since 2007, Purdue Fort Wayne leads the series against the Leathernecks.

SCOUTING THE JACKRABBITS | The Jackrabbits are led by head coach Nicole Cirillo in her fifth season. South Dakota State is currently 5-14 this season highlighted by performances by Mackenzie Hennen with 247 kills, Carly Wedel with 369 assists, and Tatum Pickar with 294 digs. Joining the conference in 2007, the Leathernecks have played SDSU a total of 24 times, the past two meetings resulting in a Leatherneck victory.

THINK PINK | October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Western Illinois volleyball will be collecting throughout October for the Linda's Fund here in Macomb. Think Pink T-shirts and ribbons will be available for sale at all home games in October at the marketing promotions table.

GREEK NIGHT | In collaboration with the Greek Life at Western Illinois volleyball will be hosting Greek Night on Tuesday (Oct. 22). The event will feature a poster contest, and in-game contest, and a competition awarding the loudest Greek organization.

HALLOWEEKEND | Sunday's (Oct. 27) match will be apart of Western Illinois athletic department's Halloween weekend. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume to support the Leatherneck volleyball team in Western Hall. A prize will be awarded to the best costume.

LOOKING AHEAD | After kicking off the second half of the conference in Western Hall the Leathernecks will host a second home weekend taking on North Dakota Nov. 1 and North Dakota State Nov. 3.