West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University secured a victory against Southern Indiana's Screaming Eagles in a five-set match at Western Hall on Saturday. The Leathernecks improved their conference record to 6-4, maintaining a tie for third place in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The first set saw Western Illinois start strong with Keyana Cruse contributing two kills in an early 5-1 run. Despite a comeback by Southern Indiana, the Leathernecks regained control, winning the set 25-20 with Kennedy Adair closing it out with a kill.

In the second set, Southern Indiana took charge with an opening 5-2 run and continued to dominate, eventually winning 25-15. Western Illinois struggled to close the gap throughout this set.

Cruse led WIU in the third set, helping them maintain an early lead. Despite efforts from Southern Indiana to close in, WIU held firm and won 25-22.

The fourth set was closely contested until Southern Indiana went on a decisive 10-2 run, securing a 25-16 victory and forcing a fifth set.

In the final set, Western Illinois initially pulled ahead with a significant 7-1 run but faced resistance as Southern Indiana narrowed the gap. Ultimately, Cruse delivered the winning kill after strategic timeouts by WIU coach, concluding the match at 15-13.

Keyana Cruse topped WIU's performance with 22 kills and achieved her second double-double of the weekend with 16 digs. Julianna Schmidt added 11 kills while Kennedy Bauer and Kennedy Adair contributed ten and thirteen respectively. Karli Wenzel led defensively with 22 digs and freshman Kaitlyn Wickersheim also reached double digits with fourteen digs. Maggie Craker supported her team with 52 assists and recorded another double-double by adding fourteen digs.

The Leathernecks tallied four service aces and six total blocks during their win over Southern Indiana.