West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's women's volleyball team was defeated by Eastern Illinois in a four-set match on Tuesday at Western Hall. The contest was part of Ohio Valley Conference play. With this loss, the Leathernecks now hold a 5-15 overall record and are 2-5 in conference games. Eastern Illinois improved to 9-6 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

The Leathernecks started strong in the first set, opening with a 4–0 run that included two kills from graduate student outside hitter Keyana Cruse and a service ace from redshirt freshman setter Alysia Perez. Cruse and junior middle blocker Hillary Estes contributed seven kills between them during the set. After twelve ties, Cruse secured the final point for a 25–23 win for Western Illinois.

Eastern Illinois countered in the second set with consistent offense. Western Illinois remained close, trailing only 22–20 after another Cruse kill assisted by Perez. Despite late efforts from right side grad student Kiyah Franklin and freshman outside hitter Ashlee Markert, Eastern Illinois finished the set 25–21 to tie the match.

In the third set, Eastern Illinois maintained momentum, achieving a .471 hitting percentage. Western Illinois had notable performances from Markert and senior right side Elizabeth Ziegler, as well as senior middle blocker Grace Kremer. Still, Eastern Illinois took control for a 25–15 victory.

The fourth set saw several long rallies and three early ties as Western Illinois attempted to come back. Service aces from Estes and Cruse helped WIU gain an advantage midway through the set, but Eastern Illinois responded with a five-point run to regain control. Franklin and Cruse added more kills for WIU before Eastern Illinois closed out the match with a 25–22 win.

Western Illinois will have another opportunity against Eastern Illinois on October 21 when they play on the Panthers' home court.

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