West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University Leathernecks women’s volleyball team is set to participate in the Bradley Tournament in Peoria, Illinois, from August 29 to 31 at the Renaissance Coliseum. The tournament will feature Quinnipiac, UT Arlington, and host Bradley.

Keyana Cruse, a senior for Western Illinois, enters the season ranked among the top 10 returning NCAA players in points per set at 5.18. Cruse holds the program’s single-season record for kills with 519 and has been named to the All-OVC First Team in both 2023 and 2024. She also led her team last season in several categories, including points (590), kills (519), sets played (114), matches started (30), digs (463), and blocks (72).

The Leathernecks have added eight new players for the upcoming season. Among them are transfers Kiyah Franklin from Youngstown State and Alysia Perez from University of Illinois-Chicago. Six freshmen join from various states: Ashlee Markert and Martyna Sowiak from Illinois; Jaleah Bauss from Texas; Aubrey Pender from Arkansas; Caroline Clayton from Kansas; and Ella Haines from Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Ziegler returns to play on the right side after recording a career-high 260 kills last year while appearing in all matches.

In preseason Ohio Valley Conference polls, Western Illinois was predicted to finish sixth—their highest projection since joining the OVC. SEMO was selected as the preseason favorite.

Cruse and junior Kennedy Adair received All-OVC Preseason Honors. "Outside hitters Keyana Cruse and Kennedy Adair both earned All-OVC Preseason Honors. Cruse was named to the All-OVC Preseason team. Junior Kennedy Adair was named as a player to watch for WIU."

Quinnipiac is projected second in its conference after finishing last season with a 19-13 record under MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Elena Giacomini. "The Bobcats are led by MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Elena Giacomini. Giacomini, the reigning MAAC Player of the Year, ended the last regular season second in the MAAC in kills with 434 and second in total points with 509.5." Damla Gunes and Ginevra Giovagnoni were also recognized on their conference’s preseason team.

UT Arlington completed an undefeated conference run last year at 29-3 overall, winning both WAC regular season and tournament titles for an NCAA Tournament berth. "Junior Samantha Glenn was named the preseason libero of the year award for the first time in her career, while both she and Sophie Ocampo were selected to the All-WAC team."

Bradley finished its previous campaign with a balanced record of 15-15 overall and placed fifth in its league standings.

Fans can follow updates about Leatherneck Volleyball through GoLeathernecks.com or on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.