MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois volleyball battled hard Tuesday evening at Western Hall but fell in four sets to Eastern Illinois in Ohio Valley Conference play. The Leathernecks will go on with a record of 5-15, with 2-5 in conference play. The Panthers will go on to 9-6, 3-2 in conference play. 

Set One

The Leathernecks came out swinging, opening the night with a 4–0 run sparked by a pair of kills from graduate student outside hitter Keyana Cruse and a service ace from redshirt freshman setter Alysia Perez. WIU maintained its edge behind efficient attacking from Cruse and junior middle block Hillary Estes, who combined for seven kills in the frame. After 12 ties throughout the set, the Leathernecks capitalized late as Cruse sealed the opener with a kill to give WIU the 25–23 win.

Set Two

Eastern Illinois responded with steady offense in the second set. WIU stayed within striking distance, trailing just 22–20 after a Cruse finish from Perez. Despite kills from right side grad student Kiyah Franklin and freshman outside hitter Ashlee Markert down the stretch, the Panthers closed it out 25–21 to even the match.

Set Three

Momentum stayed with the visitors in the third, as Eastern Illinois hit .471 in the frame. Western Illinois saw bright spots from Markert and senior right side Elizabeth Ziegler, each notching multiple kills, and senior middle blocker Grace Kremer added one of her own. However, EIU's balanced attack proved too much as the Panthers took a 25–15 decision.

Set Four

The final frame featured several long rallies and three early ties as WIU pushed for a comeback. Service aces from Estes and Cruse helped the Leathernecks build a lead midway through, but EIU answered late with a 5–0 run to regain control. Franklin and Cruse each tallied kills to keep WIU within reach, but the Panthers closed the match at 25–22.
 

The Leathernecks face the Panthers on their home court on October 21st. 

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