Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 MACOMB, IL -  The Western Illinois volleyball team faced two tough opponents on Friday at the Meeks Family Fieldhouse, opening the day with a four-set loss to Morehead State before pushing host Evansville to five sets in the evening. The Leathernecks now hold a 1-7 record on the season.

WIU vs Morehead 

Western Illinois fell behind early but responded with a dominant second-set victory before ultimately dropping the match in four sets to Morehead State.

The Eagles controlled the opening frame, running on a 13-kill effort to take a 25-15 win. WIU fought back in the second, hitting .321 with 12 kills to even the match, 25-17. Elizabeth Ziegler powered the offense with nine kills on the day while Grace Kremer and Keyana Cruse provided a strong defensive front at the net, combining for eight blocks.

Morehead State pushed back in the third and fourth sets. Despite Hillary Estes' efficient outing of four kills on just seven swings (.571) and four service aces, the Leathernecks could not keep pace with the Eagles'  attack. Cruse tallied 11 kills and 11 digs for a solid two-way performance, while setter Madelyn Norton handed out 15 assists.

Western Illinois finished the match with 37 kills and 51 digs, but the Eagles' .241 hitting percentage proved the difference in a 3-1 setback.

WIU vs Evansville

Western Illinois fought to the very end, taking Evansville to a decisive fifth set before falling short.

The Leathernecks came out strong, edging the Purple Aces 27-25 in the opening set behind Keyana Cruse's offensive power. Cruse finished with a team-high 18 kills at an impressive .362 hitting clip, adding 16 digs for a double-double. Evansville answered with back-to-back set wins, limiting WIU to just 17 kills combined in sets two and three.

WIU extended the match by winning the fourth set, 25-19, with clutch swings from Cruse and Kennedy Adair, who contributed 10 kills and nine digs. The fifth set was a battle until Evansville pushed back, hitting .381 to close the match.

Defensively, libero Karlie Lane anchored the back row with 20 digs, while Kremer and Hillary Estes each provided a strong blocking presence, combining for 10 total blocks. The Leathernecks out-blocked Evansville 13-11, showing grit at the net throughout the match.

Looking Ahead

The Leathernecks will finish the Evansville Tournament Saturday (Sep. 12), taking on the UAB Blazers