West Central Reporter

WIU Volleyball achieved a significant milestone by reaching 17 wins in a season for the first time since 2005. The team secured this achievement with a four-set victory over Tennessee State on Thursday night, maintaining their fourth-place position in the Ohio Valley Conference standings with an 11-6 conference record.

Keyana Cruse and Grace Nichols led WIU's offensive efforts, contributing to the team's total of 52 kills and seven service aces. Cruse recorded a match-high of 21 kills, all occurring in the last three sets, while Nichols added ten kills and four blocks. Maggie Craker provided strong support with a match-high of 44 assists. Defensively, Karli Wenzel excelled with a team-high of 18 digs, and the Leathernecks demonstrated robust defense with ten blocks throughout the match.

In the opening set, WIU emerged victorious with a score of 25-18. Grace Nichols contributed three kills, supported by Elizabeth Ziegler and Brittany Wulf with two kills each. The Leatherneck defense was prominent, achieving multiple blocks including two from Keyana Cruse.

Tennessee State responded in the second set with a narrow win at 25-23 after several lead changes and ties. The Tigers secured their final lead late in the set at 24-23.

WIU regained momentum in the third set, winning 25-20. Elizabeth Ziegler and Grace Nichols delivered crucial kills that helped shift control back to WIU after trailing early on. A decisive ace from Maggie Craker followed by another kill from Keyana Cruse sealed the third set victory for WIU.

The match concluded with WIU narrowly winning the fourth set at 27-25. Despite trailing late at 22-17, Keyana Cruse's five critical kills powered a comeback for WIU to close out both the set and match effectively.

The regular season will conclude tomorrow night as WIU faces Tennessee State again, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m.

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