Eastern Illinois lost their first match of the season Saturday evening against Northern Illinois. The Panthers lost 1-3 in four sets (13-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-25). This was the second meeting between EIU and NIU this season with EIU winning the first match-up, 3-1, at home.
EIU was held to its lowest point total in a set with 13 in the first.
Summerlyn Smith led the way for the Panthers in the first assisting on five kills.
Danielle Allen chipped in three kills during the first set. NIU had a .343 hitting percentage in the first set with 16 kills.Â
EIU battled back in the second to force a close set.
Ella Collins provided three kills for the Panthers. Fifteen of Northern Illinois' 25 points came off of kills. Eastern collected 12 kills in the set.
The Panthers got on the board in the third with a 25-23 victory. EIU had four total blocks in the third set alone, and also had a higher hitting percentage than NIU, .143 to .085.
Kylie Michael had collected eight kills in total by the end of the third and
Emily Wilcox had six.
NIU ultimately was too much for the Panthers on Saturday night, and won the fourth set by a score of 15-25. The Huskies were led by Katie Jablonski with 19 kills, Charli Atiemo with 12 kills, and Grace Balensiefer with 47 assists.
Michael led the way for the Panthers with 12 kills, Wilcox added five blocks, and
Christina Martinez Mundo collected 21 digs.
Eastern Illinois returns to action on Friday, Sept. 10 at 12 p.m. against Southern Illinois at the Southern Illinois Saluki Tournament. The Panthers will also play Alabama State on Friday at 4 p.m., and USC Upstate on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 11 a.m.
