MARTIN, Tenn.  – After the Panthers loss to SEMO last night, the Eastern Illinois volleyball team looked to their next task at UT Martin. The Panthers lost to UT Martin in three sets (20-25, 16-25, 17-25).
 
It was quite close all the way through the first set against the Skyhawks. EIU scored the first point of the set, but UT Martin quickly took control after that first point. The Panthers went on a 4-0 run to bring the set back within one point at 16-15 led by Kylie Michael and Katie Sommer. UT Martin went on a couple more runs to take set one by five points.
 
The Panthers got off to a rough start in the second set getting behind by four early in the second set. UT Martin kept pushing forward and kept the lead throughout the entire set. EIU tried to make a comeback in the middle of the set and were able to get back within one point but could never take lead and the Skyhawks take the set 25-16.

The Panthers and the Skyhawks were battling throughout the first half of the set going back and forth with a total of four lead changes in the third and final set. Each of the teams had multiple runs to keep them in the set but ultimately the Skyhawks prevailed as the scored the last five points of set to win the match.
 
The Panthers were led by Katie Sommer and Kylie Michael with ten kills each. Bailey Chandler led the Panthers in assists with 29. The Skyhawks were led by Logan Wallick and Addison Conley with nine kills each. Kenzie Hinshaw led the team in assists with 30.

The Panthers are back in action Friday (Oct. 18) against Tennessee Tech at 6 p.m. and on Saturday (Oct. 19) against Jacksonville State at 2 p.m.