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Western Illinois University Athletics

JoJo Kruize, Mariah Mitchell
3
Winner Drake DU 5-2
1
WIU WIU 3-4
Winner
Drake DU
5-2
3
Final
1
WIU WIU
3-4
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Drake DU 20 25 25 25 (3)
WIU WIU 25 20 14 14 (1)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

Leathernecks Fall in Home Opener

MACOMB, Ill. – After leading in the first set, the Western Illinois women's volleyball team fell in four in its home opener to Drake on Tuesday (Sept. 10).  

"We were very efficient in the first set to get off to a strong start," head coach Ben Staupe said. "Unfortunately, our team did not keep that up and Drake took advantage during the rest of the match."

The Leathernecks (4-3) took an early 4-3 lead in the first set ignited by an ace from Cassie Hunt. Mackenzie Steckler silenced the gym and advanced the lead to 10-5 with a solo block. Elle Shult served an ace for the most significant Leatherneck lead of the game (12-5). With the third ace of the night number 3, Jessie Connell brought WIU to 20 and the Bulldogs (5-2) were forced call a timeout. With a chance to take a breath, the Bulldogs pushed for a comeback that dropped short as Western finished the set victory 25-20.
 
The Bulldogs came out strong in the second set by snagging a quick 10-5 lead. The Leathernecks worked their way back in the set highlighted by two Emma Norris kills from Emma Norris to bring Western Illinois within two. The Leatherneck comeback fell short as Drake claimed the set by a final score 25-20.
 
JoJo Kruize put the heat behind her serve for a service ace to take the first Western lead in the third set. The Leatherneck offense fired from every angle with 28 attempts led by Aubrey Putman and Steckler with a .667 hitting percentage. These offensive efforts came up short and the Bulldogs won the match 25-14 and grabbed a one-set advantage into the fourth set.
 
Drake held on to its momentum in the fourth for another quick lead, while Hunt answered back with her second ace of the night. Due to a strong Bulldog serving performance, WIU was not able to come back in the fourth set (25-14).
 
Putman hit at a .429 percentage along and pitching in with 12 digs for the Leathernecks. At the top of the stats for WIU was Kruize with 11 kills, Jessie Connell with 24 assists and Gabby DePersio added 12 digs.
 
The Leathernecks return to the road Friday as they participate in the Wright State Invitational as they battle Toledo, Wright State, and Indiana State Friday (Sept. 13) and Saturday (Sept. 14).
 
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