MACOMB, Ill.-  Western Illinois battled through three competitive sets on the road Friday night but ultimately fell to Southeast Missouri in straight sets. The Leathernecks saw strong stretches from multiple rotations, including sparks from Grace Ulatowski, Elizabeth Ziegler, and Keyana Cruse, yet SEMO's extended service runs and balanced offense created separation in each frame. Despite the setback, WIU produced key defensive moments and timely swings that kept them in contention throughout the match.

Set 1 

Western Illinois kept the opening frame tight early, but Southeast Missouri used a long service run from Nina Schuberth to build separation. SEMO turned a 5–4 edge into a 10–4 lead as WIU struggled to side out against pressure at the service line. The Leathernecks responded with kills from Elizabeth Ziegler, Ashlee Markert, and Keyana Cruse, but SEMO continued to control the tempo and extended its lead to 19–11. WIU added late offense from Ziegler and Hillary Estes, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome as SEMO closed the set 25–16.

Set 2 

WIU gained momentum early in the second set behind a service ace and block contribution from Grace Ulatowski, pulling within one at 6–5. However, Southeast Missouri countered with another extended service run to push ahead 11–6. The Leathernecks earned kills from Kennedy Adair, Cruse, Ziegler, and Kiyah Franklin, but SEMO's efficiency in transition created a double-digit advantage. A late push from WIU narrowed the gap, but the Redhawks secured the frame 25–15.

Set 3 

Western Illinois opened strong in the third, earning a block from Grace Kremer on the first rally. SEMO responded with a 6–1 run, but the Leathernecks continued to battle, using kills from Franklin, Estes, and Ziegler to pull within 7–5. Southeast Missouri again found momentum behind Schuberth's serving, stretching the lead to 15–5 before WIU mounted a late rally. Aces from Karlie Lane and kills from Cruse, Kremer, and Adair helped trim the deficit, but SEMO closed out the match with a 25–18 final set.

The Leathernecks will wrap up their season against USI on November 18 and 19 at Western Hall. 

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