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Morehead, KY. – Eastern Illinois volleyball traveled to Kentucky to kick off this weekend's conference play against OVC opponent Morehead State Friday evening. The Panthers lost to the Eagles losing a three-set match (23-25, 19-25, and 24-26) 

The first set would be evenly matched with a combined eleven ties, and two lead changes throughout the set. The Eagles were able to pull through the first set to win 25-23. Jordan Jones led the Eagles offensively with her set-high six kills. Defensively leading Morehead State was Danielle McCarson who claimed seven digs. 

The Eagles would hold off the Panthers for the second straight set winning by a score of 25-19. Leading the way for EIU offensively was Maria Brown and Laurel Bailey who both finished the second set leading the Panthers in kills totaling nine kills each in the match leading up to the third set. Madison Cunningham and Anne Hughes provided help for the Panthers on the defensive side of the court, but Morehead State was able to finish the second set strong with a 5-0 run. 

EIU would challenge Morehead State in the third set, but a late Eagle comeback would secure the sweep winning 26-24. Morehead State finished hitting for a total .315 on the match and EIU would finish the match hitting .270.  

Leading the Panthers offensively in the match was Bailey who totaled a team-high sixteen kills. Taylor Smith picked up her eleventh double-double of the season finishing with ten kills and a team-high 21 assists. Hughes led the Panthers defense with a team-high 16 digs. 

The Panthers return to action Saturday afternoon where they will travel to Eastern Kentucky for a conference showdown at 1 p.m.