Game Info
Western Illinois (7-22, 4-12 OVC) vs. USI (16-12, 12-4)
Macomb, Ill. | Western Hall
Tues., Nov. 18/Wed., Nov. 19 | 6:00 p.m./4:00 p.m.
Last Time Out
Western Illinois capped a two-match road stretch at Southeast Missouri, falling in straight sets on both Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, the Leathernecks battled through a highly competitive opening frame in a 26–24, 25–18, 25–18 loss, led by standout performances from Keyana Cruse (nine kills, 17 digs), Kennedy Adair (nine kills), and Elizabeth Ziegler (seven kills). Freshman Ashlee Markert added a spark off the bench with five kills in her collegiate debut. WIU returned to action Friday night but again fell 3–0, 25–16, 25–15, 25–18. Ziegler paced the attack with six kills, Grace Ulatowski delivered two service aces, and Cruse anchored the back row with seven digs. The Leathernecks opened each match with early ties and produced strong stretches—highlighted by a 5–0 run in Friday's second set—but SEMO's balanced offense and aggressive serving ultimately proved the difference across both nights.
Quick Hitters
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National Recognition: Keyana Cruse continues to make waves nationally, ranking 63rd in NCAA total kills.
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1,000 Club: Graduate Outside Hitter Keyana Cruse surpassed the 1,000 career kills mark earlier this season at the Billiken Invitational and also reached 1,000 career digs at home against Tennessee Tech.
Scouting the Eagles
USI enters this week's contest under Jeffrey Aucoin, who is in his 3rd season. The Eagles finished the 2024 campaign with an 8-22 overall record and a 3-15 mark in conference play. With several returners and new faces on the roster, USI looks to build momentum in 2025 and climb the OVC standings.
Series History
2025 Statistical Leaders
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