INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Eastern Illinois (2-1, 0-0 OVC) closed out the Butler Top Dawg Tournament with a five set with against Oakland (0-2, 0-0 HORIZON) by a final score of 3-2. Panthers won the final two sets of the match to improve to 2-1 on the season. Set scores are as followed: 25-22, 17-25, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11.
Ella Collins stepped up Saturday morning after producing 16 kills and three total blocks. Collins collected double digit kills in all three matches at the tournament while also maintaining a .211 hitting percentage in the final match.
Giovana Larregui Lopez continued her hot start to her EIU career with her third consecutive double-double. Lopez collected 17 kills and 20 digs against the Golden Grizzles including the match point to give EIU their second win of the season.
The Panthers offense had 57 kills in the match despite being held to a .088 hitting percentage in part to Oakland's 14 total blocks.
Kate Dean was almost perfect at the net going four for five in kill shots while picking up three total blocks.
Ireland Hieb was also active at the net earning six kills and four total blocks.
EIU was able to get six service aces in today's match including two from Lopez. The Panthers led the Ohio Valley Conference last season in service aces pet set.Â
The defense stepped up down the stretch as EIU collected 74 digs compared to the 65 by the Grizzles.
Christina Martinez Mundo was active as she led EIU in digs with 27 while also helping set up her fellow Panthers at the net with six assists from the libero spot.
Catalina Rochaix and
Summerlyn Smith both provided a spark at the setter position with each earning 19 and 14 assists respectively.
Lilli Amettis and
Elisavet Papageorgiou both had four kills in the final match in Indianapolis.
Oakland was led by Patti Cesarini who had 20 kills on a .365 hitting percentage while also picking up 14 digs. Libby Gentile and Jessica Riedl both had nine kills for the Golden Grizzles.
Lopez and Collins were named to the All-Tournament team voted on by the coaches at the conclusion of the tournament.
The Panthers will continue their season next week starting on Thursday, Sept. 1Â at 6:30 p.m. at the Chicago State Invitational. EIU will play UIC, Chicago State and Pacific throughout the weekend. Livestats and video will be provided.
