MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois volleyball put together an impressive opening set but ultimately fell to UAB on Saturday morning at the Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The Leathernecks came out firing to take the first set, before UAB rallied to claim the match. The Leathernecks continue their season with a record of 1-8.

Set 1

The Leathernecks set the tone early with a 4-0 run on the serve of Jaleah Bauss, who recorded both an ace and an assist. Audrey Pender and Kennedy Adair added kills, while Keyana Cruse powered the attack with multiple points in the frame. Western Illinois dominated offensively, hitting .565 with 15 kills, and took control to win 25-18.

Set 2

In the second set, Western Illinois kept the pressure on. Cruse and Adair combined for early kills to help WIU build a lead, and Elizabeth Ziegler and Grace Kremer added strong blocks at the net. The set featured six ties and three lead changes, with the Leathernecks trailing narrowly at 21-22 late. Despite a late push, UAB led on back-to-back kills to edge out the 25-22 win and even the match.

Set 3

The momentum shifted in the third frame as UAB's block and serving game made the difference. Despite nine kills from the Leathernecks, errors mounted, the Blazers used a mid-set run to pull away. Cruse and Ziegler continued to contribute offensively, but WIU dropped the set 25-14

Set 4

Western Illinois fought hard to extend the match, with Pender and Kremer combining for blocks and Martyna Sowiak adding a kill to spark energy off the bench. Madelyn Norton and Karlie Lane kept the offense flowing with steady setting, and Cruse added a late kill to cut the deficit. However, UAB's serving run down the stretch sealed the set 25-18 and the match.

The Leathernecks will continue on to play the Kansas City Roos Sep. 16 in Kansas City, and then host the Leatherneck Classic Sep 18-19 in Macomb.

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