MACOMB, IL - The Western Illinois Volleyball team opened up their preseason schedule with a match against Valparaiso, a match which was lost by a score of three sets to one.

Although the team did not come out successful, there were many positive aspects to this match, including 3 straight aces by senior Hillary Estes in the second match, the only set the Leathernecks won.

The Leathernecks lost both the first and third sets by an identical score of 25-19, as well as the 4th set 25-16, but won the 2nd set 25-23.

Coach Mari Silva was very excited with how the game went, where she said that "It was a good opportunity for our team to play a competitive opponent like Valparaiso. Our defensive system did really well today, including our blocking, defense, and serve receive. We just need to be more aggressive at the net when we have opportunities to score".

Some other highlights for the Leathernecks were 12 kills by Kennedy Adair, 8 kills by Hillary Estes, and 7 kills by Jaque Adair.

The Leathernecks also played Valparaiso in the regular season last season, losing the match 3-0, so being able to pick up a set against a quality opponent in an exhibition has the team excited for what is to come this season. Western Illinois has another exhibition match next Saturday against Quincy, which is also at home in Macomb, starting at 2pm.

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