West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University's women's volleyball team is set to play a two-game series against Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) on November 13 and 14 at Houck Field House in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Leathernecks hold a season record of 7-20 overall and 4-10 in Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) play, while SEMO stands at 16-12 overall with an 8-6 conference record.

In their most recent outing, Western Illinois fell to Little Rock in four sets at home. The Leathernecks posted a .189 hitting percentage as a team. Graduate outside hitter Keyana Cruse delivered her top performance of the season with 19 kills and 27 digs. Elizabeth Ziegler contributed 12 kills with a .310 hitting percentage, and Karlie Lane recorded 15 digs from the back row. Western Illinois won the third set but ultimately lost the match after pushing each frame against Little Rock.

Keyana Cruse has received national attention for her achievements this season, ranking 62nd in NCAA total kills. She also surpassed both the 1,000 career kills mark earlier this year at the Billiken Invitational and reached her 1,000th career dig during a home match against Tennessee Tech.

SEMO enters this weekend's contest led by head coach Julie Yankus, who is now in her fifteenth season. Last year, SEMO finished with an overall record of 19-14 and went 15-3 in conference games. With returning players and new additions to their roster, SEMO aims to maintain its position within the OVC during the current campaign.

The Leathernecks have faced SEMO twice previously this season and lost both matches—first by a score of three sets to two, then three sets to one.

Statistical leaders for Western Illinois this season include Keyana Cruse with 357 kills and 407 digs; Jaleah Bauss leading assists with 360 and aces with 35; and Grace Kremer leading total blocks with 91.

After facing SEMO on the road, Western Illinois will return home for matches against USI on November 18 and 19.

For further updates about Western Illinois University women’s volleyball, information can be found on GoLeathernecks.com or through their social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

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