West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's volleyball team secured a 3-0 win over Kansas City on Tuesday evening at the Swinney Center. The victory brings the Leathernecks' season record to 2-8.

In the first set, Western Illinois established an early lead with a kill from Kennedy Adair and a service ace by Jaleah Bauss. Kansas City managed to tie the score at 13-13, but Western Illinois regained control through strong blocking and offensive plays. Keyana Cruse and Elizabeth Ziegler contributed several late kills, and Ziegler finished the set with assistance from Karlie Lane for a 25-22 win.

The second set was closely contested, featuring ten ties as neither team gained more than a two-point advantage. Grace Kremer led the defense for Western Illinois, stopping multiple attacks while Cruse continued her offensive efforts. With the score tied at 15-15, Western Illinois went on a four-point run initiated by Kremer's block and another kill from Cruse. Despite Kansas City's attempt to recover, back-to-back points for Western Illinois ended the set in their favor as they hit .244.

Kansas City started strong in the third set, leading 10-7 before Western Illinois responded defensively with blocks from Kremer and Ziegler to tie it at 16-16. Late in the set, Bauss delivered consecutive service aces to shift momentum toward Western Illinois. Ziegler then secured match point with a kill at 24-23. Although Kansas City forced extra points by tying it at 25-25, Bauss assisted Cruse for another kill before Melaina Hawblitzel closed out the match with a service ace for a final score of 27-25.

Western Illinois is scheduled to host the Leatherneck Classic this weekend from September 18–20, where they will compete against Chicago State, Valparaiso, and Missouri.

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