MOREHEAD, Ky. - Eastern Illinois (13-10, 7-3 OVC) dropped their first of two matchups at Morehead State (10-11, 6-4 OVC) by a final score of 3-0. This marks the first time in Ohio Valley Conference play that the Panthers have been swept. The set scores were: 20-25, 30-32, 27-29.
EIU scored a total of 77 points in their three set loss, the third most points scored ever in a three set match by the Panthers. Eastern also scored 30 points in the second set, which marks their third highest scoring set in history.
The Panthers' offense was led by OVC leading hitting
Kaitlyn Flynn, who totaled 24 kills in the loss. It was the fourth time this season that Flynn has hit over 20 kills and marked her 11th straight match with double digit kills. Flynn led the team in kills and hitting percentage with a .462.
Eastern hit 50 kills on the night with a hitting percentage of .233. Despite going over their season average, Morehead State had 53 kills and a hitting percentage of .398 with just eight attack errors compared to the Panthers' 20.
Giovana Larregui Lopez was second on the team in kills with 10. She also led the team from behind the service line with a team high four service aces. As a team the Panthers collected nine aces. Larregui Lopez also continued her streak of double digit kill matches (five straight).
Catalina Rochaix and
Summerlyn Smith continued to split time at the setter position. They combined for 40 total assists with Rochaix collected 22 and Smith adding 18. Rochaix also added a nice defensive performance with nine digs while Smith picked up five.
Morehead State was able to take advantage of their opportunities on defense at the net with 10 blocks compared to EIU's three.
Ireland Hieb led the way at the net with two total blocks. She also added six kills as a middle blocker.
Christina Martinez Mundo led the team in digs with 18 on the night. Martinez Mundo has posted double digit kills in all but one match this season. She was second on the team with three service aces and also added four assists.
This back and forth matchup saw a total of 29 ties and 16 lead changes. The third set alone had 18 ties between EIU and Morehead State with nine lead changes.
Morehead State was led by Maycie Welborn with 15 kills and five blocks while Sydney Wyman and Abby Hulsman added 12 kills each. Peighton Isley added a match high 19 digs against the Panthers. Bridget Bessler also had 43 assists to lead the Eagles.
The Panthers and Eagles will play match two tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. CT. Livestats and ESPN+ will be provided on our website.
