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Indianapolis, Ind.- The Eastern Illinois Volleyball team opened up the first day of the Butler Bulldogs Tournament against Illinois State Friday afternoon. Illinois State got the best of the Panthers defeating EIU in three sets. (16-25, 15-25, and 23-25)
With the loss EIU drops to 2-3 on the season.Â
Illinois State came out aggressive in the first two sets defeating the EIU 25-16 and 25-15. The Redbird jumped out to several 3-0 runs throughout the set to build a comfortable lead over the Panthers. Ali Line led the Redbirds on both sides of the court leading in kills for the set with five and 3 blocks.
Taylor Smith led the Panthers offense with three kills. In the second set Monica Miller took control of the Redbirds offense leading them with five kills in the set. Ella Francis helped contribute to the offensive push with four kills in the set.
Laurel Bailey was the set leader in kills for the Panthers in the second set with four.Â
The Panthers came out battling in the third set, hitting their best percentage at 58%. The third set featured the most ties in the match with two tie scores. The Redbirds were able to hold off the Panthers to secure the series sweep defeating EIU 25-23. Lane took control of the Redbird offense once again totaling five kills. Courtney Pence kept the Redbird defense in check with a set leading seven digs. Smith and Bailey led the offensive charge for the Panthers with three kills each.
Smith finished with eight kills, five assists, and 11 digs. Bailey finished with eight kills, seven kills, and an assist.
The Panthers return to action Sept. 1 against Butler at 12 pm and Auburn at 3 pm to close out the Butler Bulldogs Tournament.
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