MACOMB, Ill. - The first of a four-match homestand for Western Illinois volleyball (3-16, 2-6) happened on Thursday evening (Oct. 14) versus the Kansas City Roos (14-5, 5-2). WIU made several notable plays for a couple of good stretches but ultimately fell to Kansas City in three sets (23-25, 22-25, 20-25).

"We had some solid spurts, and our young players again did a nice job of stepping up against a very talented team," acknowledged WIU head coach Ben Staupe. "There are some things we'll have to continue getting better at ahead of Saturday's match."

Western's hitters landed a slew of successful attacks to spark a 6-0 run in the first set, going ahead 11-7. However, KC closed the gap to 16-14 before tying things all at 19-19. A few back-and-forth possessions led to the Roos taking set one, 25-23. 

The Leatherneck offense began clicking early in the second period, as WIU pieced a 10-4 lead. Brittany Wulf played a critical role in pushing the advantage to 16-10 before KC erupted on an 8-0 boost. Western evened the score a couple of times, but KC held on for a 25-22 victory.

Match intensity picked up in the third set, as both teams delivered a flurry of kills for small runs. Aubrey Putman set the score at 14 even after punching a kill, and her Leathernecks soon went up 18-14. Nevertheless, an 11-2 finish by KC ended the night in a sweep.

For the second time in three matches, Wulf reached a new single-match, career-high in kills (15). Maggie Craker posted 31 assists and 18 digs (career-high) for her fourth double-double of the year. Karli Wenzel also set a new personal-best in service aces (3), along with 21 digs to lead WIU. Putman chipped in eight kills and six digs.

Western is back at home this Saturday (Oct. 16) for a 6 p.m. CT showing against Oral Roberts.