MACOMB, IL- Western Illinois volleyball earned a straight-set victory on Tuesday evening, defeating Kansas City 3-0 inside the Swinney Center. With the win, the Leathernecks improve to 2-8 on the season.

Set 1
The Leathernecks jumped out to a 3-0 lead behind a kill from Kennedy Adair and a service ace from Jaleah Bauss. Kansas City caught up at 13-13. The set remained tight with five ties overall, but Western relied on its blocks and balanced offense to regain control. Keyana Cruse and Elizabeth Ziegler combined for several late kills, and a kill from Ziegler with Karlie Lane assisting sealed the first set, 25-22.

Set 2
The second frame featured ten ties, as neither side could build more than a two-point margin. Grace Kremer led the Leatherneck defense, turning away multiple attacks, while Cruse continued to lead the offense. With the score even at 15-15, WIU went on a  4-0 run sparked by Kremer's block and a Cruse kill. Kansas City tried to claw back, but back-to-back WIU points capped by another Cruse swing closed out the set. Western finished the frame hitting .244.

Set 3 
The final set provided the most drama of the evening. Kansas City used a quick start to go ahead 10-7, but the Leathernecks countered with defense, using blocks from Kremer and Ziegler to even the score at 16-16. Late in the set, Bauss delivered back-to-back service aces to swing momentum, and Ziegler powered down a kill to give WIU match point at 24-23. Kansas City responded to push the set past 25, but Western remained strong. With the score tied 25-25, Bauss found Cruse for a kill, and Melaina Hawblitzel delivered a clutch service ace to end the night, 27-25.

Looking Ahead

The Leathernecks will go on to host the Leatherneck Classic, facing Chicago State, Valparaiso, and Missouri this weekend (Sep. 18-20).
 

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