MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois volleyball fought in front of the home crowd on Thursday evening, but Tennessee Tech edged the Leathernecks in a five-set battle, 3-2 inside Western Hall. The loss moves WIU to 3-11 on the season and 0-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while TTU improves to 4-9 and 1-0 in league action.

Set One
The Leathernecks started strong, with early kills from Keyana Cruse and Kennedy Adair to keep pace with Tennessee Tech. A block by Grace Kremer and a swing from Elizabeth Ziegler gave WIU momentum midway through the frame. However, the Golden Eagles pieced together a scoring run late, taking advantage of Leatherneck errors to create separation. Despite a kill from Cruse down the stretch, TTU claimed the opener, 25-16.

Set Two
Western Illinois regrouped and battled point-for-point in the second. Kiyah Franklin and Adair delivered timely kills, while Karlie Lane's back-row defense kept rallies alive. Cruse added a service ace and Jaleah Bauss dished assists to keep the attack balanced. In a tense finish, WIU fought off set point before capitalizing on a Tennessee Tech error to close the frame, 26-24, and even the match.

Set Three
Tennessee Tech's offense found another gear in the third set. The Golden Eagles hit nearly .400 in the frame, building an early lead the Leathernecks couldn't erase. Adair and Cruse tallied kills to spark WIU, but TTU pulled away with aggressive serving and quick swings through the middle, winning 25-15 to take a 2-1 match advantage.

Set Four
Refusing to back down, Western Illinois turned the tide in the fourth. Cruse connected on key kills, while Lane and Melaina Hawblitzel steadied the defense with timely digs. Kremer added a block at the net to slow the Golden Eagles' attack, and Adair sealed the set with a late ace as WIU earned a 25-19 victory to force a deciding fifth.

Set Five
The final set showcased both teams trading points, with 10 ties keeping the crowd engaged. Cruse, Adair, and Franklin each chipped in kills to keep the Leathernecks even at 11-11. Tennessee Tech, however, closed on a four-point run, clinching the match with a 15-11 decision.

Cruse led the Leathernecks with 11 kills, 11 digs, and four blocks, while Adair added 10 kills. Lane anchored the back row with 17 digs, and Bauss handed out 11 assists. The night also featured a career milestone, as Keyana Cruse reached 1,000 career digs in a Leatherneck uniform.