Who | Western Illinois vs. Evansville, Southeast Missouri State, and Jackson State
 When | Friday, September 6 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 7 at 11 a.m.
Where | Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Live Stats | Here
Social Media | Twitter #TRADITIONofTOUGH

FIRST SERVE| Western Illinois women's volleyball will head to Southeast Missouri State Friday to take on their second tournament of the year at the Redhawk Invitational. They will take on Evansville, Southeast Missouri State, and Jackson State.

LAST TIME OUT | The Leathernecks traveled to Mississipi State to participate in the Starkvegas Classic August 30 where the Leathernecks started their season 1-2 picking up a win against Missouri Valley State and taking the Southeastern 'Conference's (SEC) Missouri State to five sets.

The Leathernecks came out swinging in the first match of the tournament with 47 kills to Missouri 'Valley's 16. Overall the team had an average of .367 led by Mackenzie Steckler with 24 kills and a .542 percentage. Aiding in the offense efforts was Mariah Mitchell (10 kills, .471), JoJo Kruize (9 kills, .421), and Elle Shult (.571). These offensive efforts led to a WIU sweep against the 'Devilette's (3-0).

After a quick turnaround, the Leathernecks were back in action against the Chattanooga 'Moc's taking an early lead (10-4) in the first set. WIU led the board in both kills (33-13) and aces (5-3). Mitchell led the game with ten kills followed Kruize and Steckler both contributed with nine. The 'Moc's swept the Leathernecks 3-0.

In the second day of the Starkvegas Classic, the Leathernecks took on the host Mississippi State with an outstanding blocking performance. The Leathernecks totaled 28 blocks highlighted by single-match record by Steckler with 12 of her own to rank fourth all-time in a single match. Kruize guided the Leathernecks with 16 while Gabby DePersio added a career-high 20 digs. After an exciting five sets, the Bulldogs were ultimately the victor of the 3-2 match. 

STAUPE'S SECOND WEEKEND QUOTE | "This weekend will bring different challenges as far as matchups," said coach Ben Staupe. "We will need to take care of the ball, side out efficiently, and keep up the energy and communication all weekend."

TWO LEATHERNECKS TO WATCH | The Summit League released a list of Preseason Players to Watch along with preseason rankings Wednesday (August 21). Two WIU players, Steckler and Mitchell, found their names on the list. Last season, Steckler played in 27 matches to notch 155 kills, 104 blocks, and nine aces. Mitchell is a middle hitter for WIU, coming off of a freshman season where she achieved great success playing in 27 out of 29 total matches, notched 112 kills and 35 blocks.

STOPPED BY STECKLER | At the Starkvegas classic, the Leathernecks proved that they would be a force to reckon with at the net this season with a total of 36 blocks on the weekend. Steckler guided her team to this accomplishment with 14.5 total blocks on the weekend highlighted by a single-match record (4th) for total blocks (12). The blocking performance in Saturday's (August 31) game against Mississippi State with 28 blocks led the way to this weekends blocking success. 

LEATHERNECK DEBUTS | There were five players this past weekend to make their debuts in a Western Illinois jersey with four freshmen and one transfer senior. DePersio led the team in the defensive effort this past weekend in her career debut with 41 digs total on the weekend and 20 digs against Mississippi State. Jessie Connell finding herself in a 6-2 rotation for the Leathernecks boasts a total of 66 assists in her opening weekend. Aubrey Putman saw time in 8 out of 11 sets this past weekend. In her first match, Shult totaled nine kills and 1.5 blocks ending the weekend with 14 kills and two blocks.Kruize joining the team for her final season made a huge impact leading the leathernecks with 34 kills.

SCOUTING THE ACES | The Aces are led by interim head coach Fernando Morales. They are coming off of a 10-21 2018 season and have not participated in any games this season due to a cancelation in Puerto Rico this past week. The team returns four starters from last season including Rachel Tam, Alondra Vazquez, and Allana Mcinnis. Evansville leads the series 7-4 with the previous Leatherneck clash occurring in the 2017 season.

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS | The Redhawks are led by head coach Julie Yankus. They are coming off of a 16-14 2018 season and are 1-2 in the 2019 season with a victory over Jacksonville. The team returns five starters from last highlighted season Krista Berns, Laney Malloy, and Claire Ochs. The Redhawks lead the series 7-2 playing the Leathernecks last in September of 2017.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS | The Tigers are led by head coach Rose Washington. They are coming off of an 11-25 2018. Thus far in 2019, they are 3-1 with victories over South Carolina State, Florida A&M, and Delaware State. Leading the team in the 2019 season is Jylen Whitten with 38 kills, Damassy Thompson with 74 assists, and Alana Washington with 55 digs. The Leathernecks lead the series 1-0 after a 3-1 victory in 2015.

 LOOKING AHEAD | Following this weekend's tournament, the Leathernecks will host Drake in their season home opener on Tuesday, September 10 in Macomb Ill.