MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois volleyball dropped a 3–0 decision to Southern Indiana on Tuesday evening inside Western Hall. The Leathernecks produced a strong serving night with 10 aces, including a four-ace surge from Grace Ulatowski, while Keyana Cruse tallied a team-high 18 digs. Despite long scoring runs and momentum swings throughout all three frames, WIU couldn't hold off the Screaming Eagles' balanced offensive attack.

Set 1

Western Illinois opened the night with early energy, building a 5–2 advantage behind a duo of service aces from Hillary Estes and a kill from Kennedy Adair. The Leathernecks held tight, but USI responded with a decisive run behind aggressive serving, producing multiple aces and back-to-back kills from the Screaming Eagles' pin hitters. WIU found late points from Alysia Perez behind the service line, but Southern Indiana closed the frame to take the opener 25-13.

Set 2

The second set showcased WIU's best volleyball of the night. After Southern Indiana gained a 4–2 lead, the Leathernecks turned the momentum with four consecutive aces from Ulatowski, fueling a run that vaulted WIU ahead 9–4. The Leathernecks' block also came alive, as Grace Kremer and Cruse combined on a stuff that helped WIU maintain a mid-set advantage.

USI countered with a series of kills from Carley Wright, eventually tying the frame 16–16. The teams traded points late, with WIU earning kills from Adair, Estes, and Cruse to remain within one at 23–24. However, Southern Indiana closed the set with a kill from Leah Coleman to take a 2–0 lead.

Set 3

WIU again started strong, as Cruse delivered a service ace on the opening point. Perez followed with another ace during a 4–0 Leatherneck burst that put WIU ahead 6–5. The middle portion of the set turned into a defensive battle, highlighted by big blocks from Kremer and two kills from Elizabeth Ziegler, who provided offensive spark off the bench.

Ulatowski added a kill and kept WIU within 13–14, but Southern Indiana capitalized on a late offensive run, using five straight kills to build separation. Adair added a late kill and WIU fought off multiple points, but USI secured the match with a block to close out the third.

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