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Charleston, Ill.- Eastern Illinois volleyball played host to Jacksonville State in an OVC conference matchup Saturday night. The Panthers beat the Gamecocks winning in five sets (23-25, 21-25, 27-25, 27-25, and 15-11).
 
The first set featured a close battle between the Gamecocks and Panthers. Both teams combined for nine ties and three lead changes throughout the set. Jacksonville State would come out on top in the first set defeating the Panthers 25-23. Leading the Jacksonville State attack was Allyson Zuhlke who totaled five kills on the set.
 
Similar to the first set the second set featured back and forth play. Taylor Smith gave the Panthers the offensive push they were looking for leading EIU with five kills in the set. However, Smiths help wouldn't be enough and the Panthers would fall in the second set 21-25.
 
The Panthers would spoil the Gamecocks chance at a sweep winning the third set 27-25. Leading the Panther comeback was Allie Hueston who tallied seven kills in the set. EIU hit for their best average of the match hitting for an average of .297.
 
The Panther comeback would continue in the forth set as the Panthers grabbed the set 27-25. Laurel Bailey and Hueston both combined for six kills each to spark the Panthers offense. Defensively the Panthers combined for four total blocks in the set.
 
EIU would complete the comeback taking the fifth set over Jacksonville State 15-11. Smith, Hueston, Bailey, and Abby Knight all closed out the match finishing with double-digits in kills. Hueston would finish with her season best in kills totaling 23, and points with 27. Bailey also closed out the set claiming a season high in kills with 17, and points with 27.
 
Smith would grab her sixth triple-double of the season finishing with ten kills, team-high 34 assists, and 14 digs. Leading the Panthers defensively was Bailey who claimed 27 digs. Leading in blocks for EIU was Hueston who collected a ten.
 
The Panthers return to action Friday night where they will host Austin Peay for a conference showdown 7 p.m.