MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois dropped a four-set road match at Lindenwood on Saturday afternoon. The Leathernecks mounted multiple scoring runs and found offensive rhythm in the third, but could not sustain the momentum in a tightly-contested fourth frame. WIU finished with 12 team blocks and saw strong performances from multiple attackers in the push.

Set 1
The opening set saw Western Illinois struggle to settle into rhythm as Lindenwood built early momentum behind efficient attacking from its front line. Elizabeth Ziegler and Keyana Cruse provided the spark offensively early, but Lindenwood capitalized on extended service pressure to push its lead to double digits. Despite a late block from Hillary Estes and several defensive stands, the Leathernecks could not close the gap, falling 25–13 in the first.

Set 2
Western Illinois responded with much stronger execution in the second frame, pushing the set point-for-point throughout. Cruse and Kennedy Adair both found attacking lanes, while setter Madelyn Norton began to distribute with more tempo. Grace Kremer added timely offense in the middle, and the Leathernecks' block slowed Lindenwood's hitters enough to keep the set within a possession. WIU held leads at 17–14 and again at 21–20, forcing Lindenwood to counter. In a back-and-forth finish, Western Illinois fought off set point once and had a chance to extend the frame, but the Lions secured two final points to edge the set 26–24.

Set 3
The third set was one of WIU's most complete of the afternoon. Adair's serve sparked an early 8–3 run, highlighted by consecutive kills from Cruse and Ziegler, as the Leathernecks generated momentum through aggressive swings and pressure from the service line. Estes and Ziegler were key at the net, combining for multiple blocks to disrupt Lindenwood's attackers. WIU maintained a steady lead throughout, weathering late push attempts from the Lions. A final swing from Cruse sealed the set, 25–23, bringing Western Illinois within one at 2–1 in the match.

Set 4
The fourth set was tightly contested from start to finish, featuring 12 ties. Adair and Cruse continued to pace the offense, with Ziegler adding consistent production on the right side. Ulatowski and Norton combined to keep the offense balanced in transition, and WIU's defense extended rallies to stay within striking distance. The Leathernecks led briefly at 13–10 and again at 18–17, but Lindenwood responded with key swings late in the frame. WIU held off one match point before Lindenwood ultimately closed the set 25–23 to secure the match.

Final Notes
Keyana Cruse led the Leathernecks with 13 kills and 12 digs for a double-double effort. Elizabeth Ziegler added 12 kills while hitting .308 and contributed a match-high 5 total blocks. Kennedy Adair totaled 8 kills and 3 service aces, while Grace Kremer and Hillary Estes combined for 8 total blocks in the middle. Western Illinois finished with 12 team blocks and 55 digs in the match.

The Leathernecks will go on to face the Little Rock Trojans November 6-7 at home, before heading to face the SEMO Redhawks November 13-14.

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