West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s women’s volleyball team is set to host Tennessee Tech on September 25 and 26 at Western Hall in Macomb, Illinois. The Leathernecks recently competed against Chicago State, Valparaiso, and Missouri, sweeping Chicago State but falling to the other two teams. Keyana Cruse and Kennedy Adair led the team with 25 kills each during those matches.

Kennedy Adair was named to the All-Tournament Team for her performance over the weekend. “The Macomb, IL native worked hard this weekend, marking 25 kills and 13 digs. Adair earns her spot alongside key members from the other schools,” according to a statement from the program.

Keyana Cruse reached a significant milestone earlier this month at the Billiken Invitational by surpassing 1,000 career kills while playing for Western Illinois. She is also close to reaching 1,000 career digs, needing just five more.

This season, eight new players have joined the Leathernecks’ roster. Among them are transfers Kiyah Franklin from Youngstown State and Alysia Perez from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Head Coach Dale Starr has also brought in six freshmen representing five different states.

Senior Keyana Cruse leads nine returning players for Western Illinois. Last season she led in points (590), kills (519), sets played (114), matches started (30), digs (463), and blocks (72). Elizabeth Ziegler returns as well after posting a career-high 260 kills last year.

In preseason Ohio Valley Conference polls, Western Illinois was predicted to finish sixth—their highest projection since joining the conference. Last year’s OVC regular season champion SEMO topped the poll with most first-place votes; Lindenwood and Tennessee Tech also received first-place votes.

Both Keyana Cruse and Kennedy Adair were recognized in 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.”

Tennessee Tech enters its eighth season under head coach Jeannette Phillips after finishing last year with a record of 24–8 overall and 12–6 in conference play. Returning standouts include outside hitters Madolyn Isringhausen and Jordan Karlen, along with setter Ava Schubert.

For updates on Leatherneck Volleyball, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.