Cookeville, Tenn. – The Western Illinois volleyball team finished their final pre-league tournament this Saturday (Sep. 21) with two strong starts led by Mariah Mitchell on the attack fell short in the end (1-3, 1-3)

Game 12
The Leathernecks kicked off the day with an early lead as they took on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders taking the first set 25-12. With an ace from Cassie Hunt, WIU takes a lead that they did not give up until the second half. Dominating the first set highlighted by three Leatherneck aces; two from Hunt and one from Gabby DePersio.

WIU held this lead until the middle of the set when Middle Tennessee took off on a run. Aubrey Putman ignited the WIU comeback with a kill followed by another kill by Western's Libero, DePersio who has started taking an aggressive approach to out of system balls.

Tied going into the third, Putman was able to notch three additional kills but the WIU finding themselves in an early hole was not able to work their way back.

Western with a strong fight going into the fourth holding the Blue Raiders within three. The Leathernecks tied the game before game point at 23-23 with a Mitchell kill but the Leathernecks were unable to capitalize and dropped the final set (25-23).

Game 13

Mackenzie Steckler and the Leatherneck block kick off the second match with three blocks in the first four points. The Salukis able to hold their ground despite the strong defense kept the score tied, eventually taking the lead. Steckler took the lead at game point and finished the match with back-to-back kills from the hands of Jessie Connell.

Mitchell dominated the second set with five kills and one block for the Leathernecks. WIU holding the leathernecks within two before they were able to go on a five-point run at 20-20 to end the set.

Steckler starting strong in the third with another block and kill duo. Mitchell took the reins with three additional kills in the set. WIU dropped the fourth.

Western takes a huge 9-1 lead to start the fourth fighting back from a 2-1 deficit powered by three WIU blocks. Emma Norris stepping up in the front row with two kills and two blocks. Up by ten, SIU went on an eight-point run to put them back in the game. Mitchell continued to notch kills for Western to get them to game point where Southern Illinois made a remarkable comeback to take the match.

Mitchell led the offensive efforts for the day with a total of 20 kills as Steckler led the team in blocks with 15 total.

Marking the beggining of league play Western is right back on the road Tuesday (Sep. 24) to take on Purdue Fort Wayne.