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Nashville, Tenn. – The Eastern Illinois Volleyball team captured their first victory in program history against Belmont Saturday afternoon. The Panthers swept the Bruins winning three sets (25-20, 25-19, and 25-18).
The first set featured dominant play from EIU as they led throughout the whole set. The set featured many Panther runs as EIU was able to claim a comfortable lead over Belmont. EIU would go on a 5-0 run, which would be the biggest run for the Panthers in the set.
Katie Sommer led the Panther attack totaling four kills in the set.
Belmont kicked off the second set with a 4-0 run which would be immediately answered by a 4-0 run by EIU. The second set featured more balanced play than the first set with both teams exchanging leads for a total three times. The Panthers hit for their best hitting percentage of the match posting an average of .250.
Laurel Bailey sparked the Panther offense with her five kills in the set.
EIU was able to close out the match sweeping Belmont in the third set 25-18. Similar to the second-set Belmont and EIU traded points throughout the set totaling a match-high ten ties. The Panther defense totaled a set high 3.5 blocks in the third set to help EIU secure the victory.
Taylor Smith claimed her thirteenth double-double of the season finishing with team-high 11 digs and 11 assists.
Gina Furlin led the Panthers with 14 assists on the day. Bailey led the offensive charge with her team-high nine kills.Â
The Panthers return to action Friday night where they will travel to Martin, Tennessee to face off against OVC opponent UT Martin.
