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Richmond, KY. – Eastern Illinois volleyball traveled to Richmond to finish up this weekend's conference play against OVC opponent Eastern Kentucky Saturday afternoon. The Panthers beat the Colonels winning a four-set match (25-20, 14-25, 27-25, and 25-12)
The Panthers came out strong in the first set against Eastern Kentucky taking the set 25-20. EIU went on a 5-0 run to fuel a comeback midway through the set. The Panthers would go on another 5-0 late in the set to lift them over the Colonels. Leading the Panther charge for the set was
Taylor Smith who led in kills with four of her ten kills on the day.
The second set was all about Eastern Kentucky as they grabbed the set 25-14. The Colonels did not let the Panthers make another comeback just like in the first set by jumping out to many runs throughout the set. Eastern Kentucky hit for their best average of the match in the second set posting an average of .273.
The third set featured more balance play as both teams tied for a total 14 times and seven lead changes. EIU was able to hold of the Colonels to win the set 27-25. Leading the charge defensively for the Panthers was
Madison Cunningham who totaled eight of her twelve digs in the set.
EIU would close out the match strong in the fourth set dominating Eastern Kentucky 25-12. The Panthers jumped out to a quick 4-0 run kicked off from a
Laurel Bailey kill. EIU would hop onto another 4-0 run off of a Cassie Knutson attacking error. Leading the charge for the Panthers in the dominant fourth set was
Maria Brown who tallied four of her team-leading twelve kills.
Smith claimed her NCAA leading fifth triple-double of the season finishing with ten kills, team-high 31 assists, and tied a team-high 16 digs.
Allie Hueston and Brown led the Panthers in kills each totaling 12 kills in the match. Defensively leading the Panthers was
Anne Hughes who claimed 16 digs.
The Panthers return to action Friday where they will host Tennessee Tech for a conference showdown 7 p.m.
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