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Charleston, Ill. – Eastern Illinois volleyball played host to SIUE in an OVC conference matchup Wednesday night. The Panthers lost to the Cougars losing a four-set match (19-25, 25-18, 19-25, and 13-25)
The Panthers showed some fight early but couldn't hold off the Cougars who were able to capture the victory in their first encounter this season.
SIUE came out strong taking the first set 25-19. Leading the Cougars offensively in the first set was Taylor Joens who totaled six of her team-leading sixteen kills on the night. The first set included eight tie scores and four lead changes, but the Cougars were able to hold off the Panthers.
EIU was able to bounce back and claim the second set by a score of 25-18. Leading the charge for the Panthers was
Maria Brown and
Maggie Runge who both totaled four kills.
Gina Furlin and
Taylor Smith helped contribute to the Panthers offense with six assists each.
The Cougars answered back and took both the third and fourth sets defeating the Panthers. The fourth set was the most dominant set for SIUE as they hit for their match-best .471. Jackie Scott, Kiana Fields and Joens who each totaled three kills. Scott was an offensive factor for the Cougars finishing second on the team in kills with 11.
Leading the Panthers in kills for the night was
Laurel Bailey who finished with 13. Smith earned her sixth double-double of the season finishing with a team-high 22 assists and ten digs. Brown would also grab a double-double with her 11 kills and 11 digs.
Anne Hughes led the defensive side of the court picking up a team-high 20 digs.
The Panthers return to action Saturday where they host Tennessee State in an OVC conference showdown at 2 p.m.
