West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s women’s volleyball team has been ranked sixth in the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Volleyball Preseason Poll. The poll, announced Tuesday by the OVC, also included individual recognition for two Leathernecks players.

Senior outside hitter Keyana Cruse was named a Returning All-OVC selection. Cruse led Western Illinois in 2024 with 519 kills, averaging 4.55 per set and recording a .231 hitting percentage on 1,522 attempts. She also contributed defensively with 463 digs (4.06 per set) and added 72 total blocks, ending the season with 590 points and an average of 5.18 points per set.

Coach Dale Starr commented on Cruse’s recognition: "Keyana being one of the top returning players in the OVC is a well deserved honor for her and for our program. Coming off of a year where she had 519 kills and 463 digs puts her as one of the top offensive and defensive returning players in the conference. She is our leader and is looking to finish off her college career with a bang. I look for her to have another great year and help us compete for an OVC Championship!"

Junior outside hitter Kennedy Adair earned a spot on the OVC Volleyball Watch List for the upcoming season. In 2024, Adair recorded 28 kills, 17 digs, eight blocks across 35 sets, three service aces, and totaled 34 points.

Starr also shared his thoughts about Adair: "Kennedy getting some recognition is great for her and well deserved. She has patiently waited her turn to be recognized and I am anxious to see the impact she is going to have on our program. She has been working hard all off season and is ready to have a breakout year. We should have a really potent 1-2 punch on the outside this season as we look to compete for an OVC title!"

The preseason poll placed Southeast Missouri first, followed by Lindenwood, Tennessee Tech, Morehead State, Little Rock, Western Illinois, SIUE, Eastern Illinois, UT Martin, Southern Indiana, and Tennessee State.

For more information about Western Illinois volleyball or updates throughout the season visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their official social media accounts.