CHARLESTON, Ill. –  In the final match of the year, EIU faced Southeast Missouri on senior night. The Panthers ultimately fell in three sets, (12-25, 13-25, 13-25). For Morgan Matusik, Breanna Jager, Maggie Runge, and Katie Sommer this was their final match as a Panther.
How It Happened: In the opening set, the Panthers started out strong, as they would go on an 4-0 run. The Redhawks fought back right away, as they had a 5-0 run to take back the lead. It was back and forth until SEMO went on an 11-0 run to take control and the set by 13 points. The Panthers were led by Morgan Matusik and Maggie Runge with thee points and two blocks each.
The second set began with SEMO scoring first. The Panthers kept it close but the Redhawks would go on an 11-0 run to pull ahead creating a safe distance. Ultimately SEMO would take set two 25-13. Maggie Runge led the Panthers in that set with four kills. There were two lead changes and the score was tied four times.
In the final set, the Redhawks struck first with two points back to back. SEMO took control early on and never let it go. They would go on multiple runs to put a safe distance between them and the Panthers. The Panthers put all they had out on the court but came up short and the Redhawks would take the set and the match to upset the Panthers on senior night.Â
Who Stood Out: The Panthers were led by Maggie Runge with 7 kills. She also tacked on 3 blocks. Bailey Chandler led the team in assists with 15 while Sarah Paluch led the team in digs with 14.
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