OMAHA, Neb. – Western Illinois fell to Omaha in three sets (25-16, 25-19, 25-21) in their first Monday competition of the season on Nov. 11. 

Omaha took an early lead resulting in a first set victory despite efforts from Mariah Mitchell scoring half of the earned points for WIU. 

Western took the first lead of the match at 3-2 during the second set. The Mavericks regained the lead, but the Leathernecks worked their way back to tie it up at 8-8. WIU fought to keep Omaha from extending its lead until the end of the game, where Omaha was able to capitalize on an opportunity to lead the match 2-0.

Mackenzie Steckler started the third set with a service ace to put the Leathernecks in position to tie the game and with a kill from Mitchell, they took the lead. Holding its ground with Omaha, Western knotted the game up (17-17) with a four-point run. The Leathernecks evened the score again at 18-18, but couldn't sustain their a comeback to drop the match in three sets. 

Mitchell led the team with ten kills closely followed by JoJo Kruize with seven.

The Leathernecks return home for their final home weekend of the 2019 season as they play host to South Dakota Friday (Nov. 15) and Denver Sunday (Nov. 17) on Senior Day.