MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois fell 3–1 on the road Friday evening at Lindenwood, despite a strong third-set push and several standout individual performances. The Leathernecks hit .194 as a team and posted 11 total blocks while showing defensive resilience throughout the match.
Set 1
Western Illinois opened the match competing point-for-point early, with Kennedy Adair and Keyana Cruse providing offense on the pins. A block from Grace Kremer and Elizabeth Ziegler trimmed the deficit midway through the frame, but Lindenwood found momentum behind efficient attacking from its front line. The Lions were able to string together a late scoring run to create separation, taking the first set 25–18.
Set 2
The second set saw another tight start, with Ziegler and Adair supplying needed kills to keep the Leathernecks within range. However, Lindenwood used a strong service run to widen the gap, forcing WIU out of system on multiple rallies. Despite key defensive plays from libero Keyana Cruse, who continued to anchor the back row with reliable coverage, Western Illinois could not slow the Lions' rhythm and fell 25–15.
Set 3
Western Illinois responded with its best volleyball of the evening in a highly competitive third set. Adair took control offensively, finding timely kills through the block and finishing the frame with confidence. The Leathernecks' had a strong blocking force with Kremer and Ziegler combining on pivotal touches to slow Lindenwood's hitters. Setter Jaleah Bauss directed the attack with balance, and Cruse sparked transition plays with key digs in long rallies. In a back-and-forth finish featuring multiple set points for both sides, WIU capitalized on late momentum and closed out the set 30–28 to extend the match.
Set 4
The fourth set stayed close from start to finish, with neither team leading by more than a few points. Adair continued to pace the Leathernecks in kills, while Kremer added timely play at the net. WIU's serving pressure and back-row defense kept rallies extended, but Lindenwood managed to find just enough late scoring to edge ahead. Despite a final push that included strong service runs and defensive stands, Western Illinois came up just short, dropping the set 25–23 and the match 3–1.
Final Notes
Kennedy Adair led Western Illinois with 15 kills while hitting .245 on the night, and Keyana Cruse turned in a standout defensive performance with 26 digs to go along with 11 kills. The Leathernecks finished with 59 digs as a team and recorded 11 total blocks, highlighted by contributions across the front line from Kremer, Ziegler, and Hillary Estes.
The Leathernecks will go on to face the Lions again on November 1st, before hosting the Little Rock Trojans November 6-7.
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