Peoria, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois Volleyball team opened up the CEFCU Classic Friday afternoon against host Bradley and Milwaukee.

The Panthers now sit at 3-10 on the season.

GAME ONE: BRADLEY 3, EIU 0

The Panthers came out aggressive in the first set, hitting 60%, which marked their highest hitting percentage of the match. The Braves were able to hold off the Panther offense not allowing a tie score or lead change throughout the set. Bradley was able to jump out to an early 5-0 run ignited by one of Hannah Thompson's five kills in the set. Laurel Bailey and Lexi May lead the Panthers in kills with three each.

The second set featured the most lead changes throughout the match with two. However, Bradley would hit for 77% in the second set to give them the offensive push they needed to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the match. Thompson led the Braves offense with a team-high six kills. Bailey and Hughes lead the Panthers on the defensive side of the court totaling eight digs each.

Bradley was able to secure the match sweep in the third set defeating EIU 25-16. EIU put pressure on Bradley with a match-high seven tie scores throughout the final set. The Braves were able to pull out to an 8-0 run mid-way through the set, and a 6-0 run late that would be the difference makers in the third set to secure the match. Rachel Pranger led the Braves offense with six kills in the final set.

Bailey finished with a team-high 10 kills, 15 digs, a block, and an assist. Maggie Runge led the Panthers defense with three blocks.

GAME TWO: Milwaukee 3, EIU 0

Milwaukee was able to jump out to an early lead in the first set with a 3-0 run. The two teams traded points throughout the set totaling in three ties and one lead change.  The Panthers jumped out to a late 4-0 run ignited by a Bailey kill. However, Milwaukee's offense was able to steal the offensive momentum from the Panthers and take the first set 25-19.

The second set featured the similar play with three ties but with the teams trading the lead two times throughout the set. Katie Sommer looked to give the Panthers the offensive push they needed to take the third set with her set leading three kills. Abby Koenen and Carmen Heilemann led the Milwaukee offense with a set high five kills each.

The Panthers came out aggressive in the third set hitting for their highest percentage of the afternoon at 60%. Milwaukee also had their highest hitting percentage of the night at 65% in the third set. The two teams battled back-and-forth to combine for a set-high 13 ties and five lead changes. Milwaukee was able to secure the sweep against the Panthers in the third set with a late run. Runge led the Panthers offense in the third set with five kills.

Bailey finished with her second double-double of the day with ten kills, 14 digs, five blocks and three aces. Runge had nine kills, and four blocks.

EIU will return to action Saturday Sept. 15 to close out the CEFCU Classic against Omaha at 11 am.