Charleston, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois volleyball team took on OVC opponent UT Martin Friday evening. The Panthers defeated the Skyhawks 3-2.

With the win, the Panthers improve to 10-18 and 5-8 in the OVC.

The Panthers came out aggressive to start the match defeating UT Martin 25-19 in the first set. The two teams traded points for the majority of the set. EIU was able to put together small runs to gain a lead against the Skyhawks.

UT Martin would answer back in the second set. UT Martin would string together three 3-0 runs throughout the set to give themselves a nice cushioned lead over EIU. A 3-0 run ignited by a Gintare Mackeviciute would end up being the difference maker in the set.

Both teams would trade off sets with the Panthers securing the third set 25-19 and UT Martin forcing a fifth set, taking the fourth set 25-17.

UT Martin started the fifth set with an early lead over EIU. The Panthers would battle back with a couple of 2-0 runs that would give them the push they needed to secure the match from the Sky Hawks. EIU would defeat UT Martin in the fifth set 15-11. The Panthers would hit for their highest hitting percentage of the night in the fifth set hitting .333.

Taylor Smith earned her third triple-double of the season finishing with 21 digs, 19 assists, and 13 kills. Laurel Bailey finished with a double-double with 11 kills and 11 digs.

The Panthers will face the likes of OVC opponent Southeast Missouri Saturday evening.