MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois volleyball picked up a thrilling five-set win Friday evening at Western Hall, defeating Tennessee State 3-2 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Set One

The Leathernecks opened the night with a dominant first set, jumping out to an early 8–2 lead behind kills from junior middle block Hillary Estes and graduate outside hitter Keyana Cruse. WIU's front line took control midway through the frame, using three team blocks to hold the Tigers to a -.111 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Kennedy Adair tallied a pair of late kills to push the Leathernecks ahead, and Estes sealed the opener at 25–13 with a kill through the middle.

Set Two

WIU carried its momentum into the second, hitting .200 as a team. Cruse and senior right side Elizabeth Ziegler each added key swings as the Leathernecks built a 14–9 advantage. Graduate right side Kiyah Franklin and Adair provided sparks at the net, and junior defensive specialist Grace Ulatowski's steady defense helped keep Tennessee State off balance. Estes put down the final point to secure the set, 25–18, and a 2–0 match lead.

Set Three

Tennessee State found rhythm in the third, using an improved .178 hitting mark to edge WIU 25–23. The set featured 12 ties and five lead changes, with Estes and Cruse combining for nine kills to keep the Leathernecks in contention. Despite a late push highlighted by a block from senior middle blocker Grace Kremer, the Tigers held on to force a fourth set.

Set Four

The visiting Tigers continued to surge in the fourth, using a 6–1 run midway through to create separation. WIU fought back behind Ziegler and Adair, who each contributed multiple kills in the frame, while junior setter Madelyn Norton and freshman setter Jaleah Bauss distributed the offense. Tennessee State's .436 attack percentage proved the difference, as the Tigers took it 25–18 to send the match to a decisive fifth.

Set Five

With momentum up for grabs, the Leathernecks regrouped and delivered in the clutch. Estes opened the final set with back-to-back kills, and Cruse followed with a pair of digs that set up transition points. Norton's steady setting and sophomore libero Karlie Lane's defensive presence helped WIU build a 10–7 edge, and Adair's final kill sealed the 15–12 victory and the match win.

Western Illinois finished the night with 58 kills, 13 team blocks, and 77 digs, hitting .256 as a team. The win improves the Leathernecks to 6-16 overall and 3-6 in OVC play, while Tennessee State drops to 1-23 (0-11 OVC).

The Leathernecks will go on to face the Tigers again tomorrow at 4 pm in Western Hall.

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