Dale Starr Head Coach | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website
Dale Starr Head Coach | Western Illinois University Leathernecks Website
The WIU Volleyball team participated in the Leatherneck Classic on Friday, splitting their matches with a loss to South Dakota State and a victory over Purdue Fort Wayne. The team fell 3-2 to South Dakota State but bounced back to defeat Purdue Fort Wayne 3-1.
In their win against Purdue Fort Wayne, WIU's defense was prominent, achieving nine total blocks. Karli Wenzel led the team with 21 digs, while Juliana Schmidt topped the blocks with 2.5. A critical block by Schmidt initiated a comeback in the first set, resulting in a 26-24 win for WIU. Despite losing the second set 25-16, WIU secured victories in the third and fourth sets.
Against South Dakota State, WIU won the first set after trailing late but lost the next two sets. A rally in the fourth set forced a fifth set where South Dakota State ultimately prevailed with a 15-10 win.
Keyana Cruse was instrumental for WIU, leading in kills during both games with 25 against South Dakota State and 21 against Purdue Fort Wayne. Maggie Craker contributed significantly on offense as well, leading assists in both matches.
The Leathernecks will face UIC tomorrow afternoon to conclude their participation in the Hampton Inn Leatherneck Classic. UIC holds a record of 1-1 in this tournament.
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