Tweet #EIUBleedBlue

PDF Box  |  Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHARLESTON, Ill- The Eastern Illinois Volleyball team squared off against Fresno State to close out the first day of the Panther Invitational. Fresno State was able to hold off EIU, winning by scores of 25-14, 20-25, 25-17, and 25-17.

With the loss, EIU falls to 1-1.

Fresno State hit for their best percentage of the match in the first set with 86%. The Bulldogs kept the offensive pressure on the Panthers throughout the set. Halie Watson led the Bulldogs with four kills in the set, and three blocks. Laurel Bailey and Maggie Runge led the Panthers in kills with three each.

Bailey would help the Panthers in the second set with her set-leading four kills. The Panthers hit 71% for their best percentage of the match in the second set. EIUs defense held Fresno State in check allowing only one tie, and not surrendering the lead throughout the set. Lexi May contributed three of the eight blocks in the set for the Panthers.

The third set featured a back and forth battle between the two teams, but Fresno State was able to jump out 5-0 run and a 4-0 run to close out the set. Jessica Gilbert led Fresno State with eight kills on the offensive side of the court, while Taylor Slover led the defense with eight digs. Taylor Smith collected a set-leading four kills for EIU. The Bulldogs were able to hold off the Panthers to secure the match in the fourth set. Fresno State jumped out in front early and never looked back throughout the set defeating the Panthers 25-17.

Bailey finished with a team-high 10 kills, four digs, and an assist. Runge totaled a team-high 10 kills, and a team-high four blocks.

The Panthers return to action at 7 pm Saturday night to close out day two of the Panther Invitational.

Valpo 3, St Francis
In the third match of the Panther Invitation, Valpo defeated St. Francis 3-1.
Valparaiso was able to move to 1-1 on the season defeating St. Francis 3-1 in the third game of the Panther Invitational. With the loss, St. Francis drops to 0-2 on the season. Sydney Bronner led the Valpo offense in kills with 11. Brittany Anderson also contributed to the Valpo offense with 50 assists. Madi Tyus led St. Francis with 14 kills.