Charleston, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois volleyball team took on OVC opponent Murray State for a Friday evening matchup. The Panthers fell to the Racers 3-0.
 
With the loss, EIU falls to 10-20 and 5-10 in the OVC.
 
Both teams came out in the first set aggressive trading points throughout the set.  The first set featured a match-high six tie scores. Dacia Brown and Kolby McClelland led the Racers offense with five kills apiece. Laurel Bailey led the Panthers offense with four kills.
 
Murray State came out aggressive in the second set jumping out to an early 4-0 run. The racers would keep the pressure on the Panthers jumping out to a seven-point lead. The Panthers would battle back to cut the lead to two points. But the comeback was not enough as Murray State took the second set 24-22.
 
EIU would battle back in the third set with an early 4-0 run. The Panthers would control the lead early over the Racers. Murray State would grab the lead from the Panthers midway through the set when they went on a 7-0 run. The Panthers fought back to force a win by two scenario, however, the Racers were able to secure the match sweep defeating the Panthers 29-27.
 
Bailey led the Panthers in kills with nine. Taylor Smith finished the night with a team-high 17 assists and 21 digs.
 
The Panthers return to action tomorrow to close out the season against Austin Peay at 6 pm for senior night.