PDF BOX
Martin, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois volleyball traveled to Tennessee to face OVC opponent UT Martin Friday evening. The Panthers beat the Skyhawks winning a four-set match (20-25, 25-13, 25-21, and 25-20).
The Skyhawks came out strong in the first set against the Panthers taking the set 25-20. UT Martin was able to pull away in the set when they went on a 4-0 run ignited from a Jemima Idemudia kill. The Panthers would fight back with the help of
Taylor Smith who totaled five of her nine kills but would fall short in the set.
The second set was all about Eastern Illinois as they grabbed the set 25-13. The Panthers jumped out to an early 7-0 run off a
Maria Brown kill. Browns kill ended up being the difference maker in the set as EIU was able to grab the lead from UT Martin and never look back. The second set featured a low, one tie and one lead change. EIU hit for their highest average of the match hitting .375 in the set.
The third set featured more balance play as both teams tied for a total seven times. EIU was able to hold off UT Martin to win the set 25-21. Leading the charge defensively for the Panthers was Brown who totaled six of her twelve digs.
EIU would close out the match strong in the fourth set defeating UT Martin 25-20. The Panthers jumped out to a quick 3-0 run kicked off from a Rachel Noffsinger. EIU would hop onto a 4-0 run off a Kenzie Hinshaw service error right after. Leading the charge for the Panthers in the fourth set was
Allie Hueston who tallied three kills.
Abby Knight led the Panther defense claiming four blocks.
Smith claimed her NCAA leading eighth triple-double of the season finishing with 12 kills, 20 assists, and 10 digs. Bailey led Panthers totaling 12 kills in the match, and
Gina Furlin helped offensively collecting 20 assists. Defensively leading the Panthers was Hueston who led the Panthers with seven blocks.
The Panthers return to action Saturday afternoon where they will close out the season against Southeast Missouri in a conference showdown at 2 p.m.
