West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's volleyball team secured a victory against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in their Ohio Valley Conference opener, marking their fifth consecutive win. The match ended with WIU defeating SIUE in four sets, replicating last year's conference-opening triumph over the same opponent. This five-match winning streak is the longest for WIU Volleyball since 2007.

In the first set, Western Illinois established an early lead with Brittany Wulf's successive kills contributing to a 7-4 advantage. The teams exchanged points evenly until WIU pulled ahead with a decisive 7-2 run, concluding the set at 25-17. Key players Elizabeth Ziegler and Keyana Cruse each made significant contributions during this period.

The second set saw SIUE initially taking control with a 5-1 lead. However, WIU countered with a strong 7-1 run featuring notable plays from Maggie Craker and Brittany Wulf. Despite this effort, SIUE managed to edge out WIU by winning the set 25-23 after another late rally.

In the third set, SIUE again started strong but was met by a determined comeback from WIU sparked by Grace Ulatowski's play. Both teams remained competitive throughout, but WIU ultimately clinched the set at 25-23 following key plays from Wulf and some errors by SIUE.

The fourth and final set began with WIU securing an early lead of 11-4. Elizabeth Ziegler played a pivotal role in maintaining momentum for the Leathernecks despite resistance from SIUE, who narrowed the gap late in the game. Ultimately, WIU held firm to win the set 25-22 and thus secured their overall victory.

The two teams are scheduled to face off again tomorrow afternoon at Western Hall at noon.

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