West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's volleyball team lost to Saint Louis University in a four-set match on Saturday at Chaifetz Pavilion. The Billikens won 3–1, bringing the Leathernecks' season record to 1-5.

The first set was closely contested, with five ties and three lead changes. Western Illinois narrowed a mid-set deficit with kills from Kennedy Adair and Hillary Estes. Keyana Cruse tied the score at 21-21 late in the set, but Saint Louis finished ahead, winning 25-23.

In the second set, Western Illinois started strong with early points from Cruse and Kiyah Franklin. The teams stayed within two points of each other for most of the set. After tying at 22-22, Saint Louis secured three of the last four rallies to take the frame 25-22.

Western Illinois had its best performance in the third set, hitting .310 as a team. Cruse and Adair contributed key plays as WIU built a narrow lead. The set included 13 ties and five lead changes before Western Illinois won 26-24 in extra points.

The fourth set began evenly before Saint Louis went on a run midway through. Despite efforts from Cruse and Franklin, Saint Louis pulled away late to win the final frame 25-17.

Keyana Cruse led Western Illinois with 14 kills and 16 digs, achieving her first double-double of the season and reaching 1,000 career kills as a Leatherneck. Kennedy Adair added 10 kills while hitting .206. Setter Jaleah Bauss recorded 20 assists and five service aces. Karlie Lane collected a team-high 19 digs on defense, while Grace Kremer led at the net with six blocks.

As a team, Western Illinois finished with 39 kills, seven service aces, and ten total blocks while holding Saint Louis under .200 hitting for the match.

Western Illinois will compete next weekend at the Evansville tournament against Morehead State, Evansville, and Alabama-Birmingham.

For more information about Leatherneck Volleyball or updates on upcoming matches, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.