Gallery: (9-30-2022) Panthers Volleyball Hosts Little Rock
CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois (9-8, 3-1 OVC) take down the Trojans of Little Rock (3-13, 0-3 OVC) in Lantz Arena for the first time as Ohio Valley Conference opponents. This also marks the first time that EIU has swept the Trojans and now lead the all-time series 3-0. The set scores were: 25-11, 25-20, 25-20.
EIU came out swinging tonight at the net with a total of 44 kills on a .347 hitting percentage which is a team high this season and the fifth highest by any OVC team in a match this year. Panther limited their errors tonight with only 11 on 95 attempts while the Trojans were forced in 19 errors with on a .115 hitting percentage.
On the offensive side of the net,
Kaitlyn Flynn hit for a match high 18 kills on 33 attempts for a season high hitting percentage of .485. Flynn scored the last four points in the final set to give EIU their third OVC win of the season. She also recorded two block assists and seven digs on defense.
This marked the fifth straight match for Flynn that she recorded at least 12 kills.
Giovana Larregui Lopez (seven kills) and
Lilli Amettis (six kills) were also in on the action tonight by coming for 13 kills.
Annika Black also contributed four kills on the weak side.
The Panthers' offense could not have done it without the help of
Catalina Rochaix and
Summerlyn Smith. Rochaix powered the EIU hitters with a match high 27 assists while Smith lend a hand with 12. The combined 44 assists in tonights match is the fourth most in a three set match this season by an OVC team.
Blocks were an important part of the defensive plan today as EIU recorded seven total blocks.
Ireland Hieb had three total blocks including a solo block while
Emily Wilcox led the way with one solo and three block assists. Both Panthers also hit four kills in the match.
Christina Martinez Mundo also helped the defense stand tall against the Trojan's attack by collecting 13 kills to lead all players.
Ashley Sharkus also stepped up with five digs in a defensive role.
Little Rock was led by Laure Jansen with 10 kills and seven digs. Zanobia Willis led all defenders with five solo blocks against EIU. Gabrielle Spankus had 25 assists in the match and Daedrianna Cail had six kills. The Trojans drop to 3-13 on the season and 0-3 in OVC play.
The Panthers and Trojans will be back in action tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. in Lantz Arena for match two of the weekend. Livestats and ESPN+ will be made available.