DEKALB, Ill. –  Western Illinois women's volleyball toke the third set from the Northern Illinois Huskies with eight kills, four aces, and three blocks but fell 4-1, in Saturday's exhibition match (Aug. 17).

"It is great to see the things that we worked on in the gym come to fruition, and I am impressed with the defensive efforts in terms of not letting the ball drop. The newcomers all contributed in many different aspects, and they're going to be a huge contribution to our Leatherneck family, along with the leadership from several of our returners" said head coach Ben Staupe. "Now, we can see what we need to work on in the next week before heading to Mississippi State."

The Leathernecks trailed at the beginning of the first set but were able to keep the Husky lead within three points with offensive efforts from Abby Knoop (two kills, three attempts) and JoJo Kruize (one kill, three attempts) within the first ten points. The Huskies extended this lead to 18-12, followed by a 4-point run by the Leathernecks aided by two consecutive Leatherneck blocks by Knoop, Mariah Mitchell, and Mackenzie Steckler (19-15). WIU down five at game point Kruize adds another two kills to finish the set at 25- 21 for the Huskies.

The Leathernecks continued to put the pressure on in the second set, as they tied the game up at 6-6 with help from an ace by Riley Schumacher. Holding this tie until 11-11 the Huskies broke away with a four-point lead. The Huskies extended their lead to 5 to finish out the set.

Leathernecks took off to an early 4-0 lead with Jessie Connell back to serve to chip in an ace for the team. Steckler added in another two aces to bring the Leathernecks to an 8-4 lead. The Huskies close in at 15-14, but the Leathernecks hold their ground with a block from Kruize and Steckler. The Leathernecks with the momentum, were able to close out set 3 (25-20) with solo block followed by a kill both from Emma Norris.

The Huskies were off to a fast start at the beginning of the fourth set as they led the Leathernecks 10-4. Knoop and Norris slowed down the Husky efforts with three and four kills respectively. Leathernecks were not able to close in on the lead, and the Huskies take the win (25-17)

Leathernecks start the fifth exhibition set with a 4-0 lead that is quickly answered by the Huskies. Leathernecks were holding the Huskies at 9-9 before the Huskies can take the lead and take the final set (15-10).

Finishing the match Norris led the team with a total of 7 kills, Kruize with a hitting percentage of .444, Steckler with five blocks, and Cassie Hunt with 18 assists.

Western Illinois is back on the court on Saturday (Aug. 30) at Mississippi State for the Starkvegas Classic.