West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University’s volleyball team lost in straight sets to Southern Indiana on Tuesday evening at Western Hall. The Leathernecks recorded 10 service aces during the match, with Grace Ulatowski contributing four. Keyana Cruse led the team in digs with 18.

In the first set, Western Illinois took an early lead at 5–2, helped by two service aces from Hillary Estes and a kill from Kennedy Adair. However, Southern Indiana responded with strong serving and multiple kills, ultimately winning the set 25-13.

The second set was more competitive for Western Illinois. After falling behind 4–2, the Leathernecks went on a run fueled by four consecutive aces from Ulatowski to take a 9–4 lead. Blocks from Grace Kremer and Cruse helped maintain their advantage mid-set. Southern Indiana rallied behind Carley Wright’s kills to tie the score at 16–16. Despite late kills from Adair, Estes, and Cruse that kept WIU close at 23–24, Southern Indiana secured the set with a kill by Leah Coleman.

In the third set, Cruse opened with a service ace and Perez added another as WIU took a brief lead. The teams traded points in a defensive battle that featured blocks from Kremer and two kills off the bench by Elizabeth Ziegler. Ulatowski added a kill to keep WIU within one point at 13–14 before Southern Indiana pulled away with five consecutive kills. Adair scored late for WIU but Southern Indiana closed out the match with a block.

Fans can find more information about Leatherneck Volleyball at GoLeathernecks.com or follow updates on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.