West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University Leathernecks women's volleyball team is preparing to play against the SIUE Cougars in Edwardsville, Illinois, at First Community Arena on October 3 and 4.

In their most recent matches, the Leathernecks faced Tennessee Tech but lost both games. On September 25, they were defeated 2-3, and on September 26, they lost 0-3. Keyana Cruse led the team with a total of 22 kills over the weekend.

Keyana Cruse recently surpassed significant career milestones. She recorded her 1,000th kill during the Billiken Invitational held September 5-6 and also reached 1,000 digs in the match against Tennessee Tech.

This season, Western Illinois has added eight new players to its roster. Kiyah Franklin transferred from Youngstown State after four years there with a record of 301 kills and more than 75 blocks across 62 matches. Another transfer is Alysia Perez from the University of Illinois-Chicago. The squad also includes six freshmen: Ashlee Markert and Martyna Sowiak from Illinois; Jaleah Bauss from Texas; Aubrey Pender from Arkansas; Caroline Clayton from Kansas; and Ella Haines from Wisconsin.

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), as well as leading all returners in digs (463) and blocks (72). In ten sets played this year, she has recorded a team-high of 37 kills. Elizabeth Ziegler returns to play right side for WIU after participating in all matches last season and achieving a career high of 260 kills.

According to preseason polls for the Ohio Valley Conference, Western Illinois was projected to finish sixth—their highest preseason ranking since joining the conference. Southeast Missouri State University was picked first after winning last year's regular season title.

Keyana Cruse was named to the All-OVC Preseason team while junior Kennedy Adair was recognized as a player to watch for WIU.

SIUE enters this season under head coach Camille Caldwell’s leadership for her fourth year with the program. The Cougars finished last year with an overall record of 18–12 and a conference record of 10–8, earning them a place in their league tournament. Notable returning players include outside hitter Kaitlyn Quinn—last season’s leader in kills—middle blocker Lauren Fischer who contributed defensively at the net, and setter Maya Douglas who led SIUE in assists.

For further information about Leatherneck Volleyball or real-time updates during games, fans can visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their official accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.