MACOMB, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois volleyball team (4-11, 0-5 OVC) fell by a score of 1-3 at Western Illinois (9-8, 3-3 OVC) on Thursday evening as three Panthers recorded double-digit kills in the contest. The final set scores were 26-24, 12-25, 17-25, 24-26.

The evening's opening set was highly competitive and featured five lead changes as neither team was able to gain more than a three-point cushion. With the score tied up at 24-24, Karli Mann and Kaitlyn Flynn combined for back-to-back kills to give EIU the set one victory. Ireland Hieb led Eastern in the frame with six kills, a service ace, and a solo block.

Western Illinois responded with a dominant set two, which they led by as many as 13 points on their way to evening the match. The Leathernecks kept things going in set three as they opened up another double-digit lead. The Panthers closed the gap to eight, but were unable to piece together the big run they needed as WIU took a 2-1 match lead.

EIU was able to regroup for the fourth set, and after falling behind early, used a 6-0 run to gain a 10-7 lead. The Panthers retained their advantage until the Leathernecks scored three straight to go back up 18-17 before Eastern took the lead right back with a kill and service ace by Kaitlyn Flynn. However, Western would ultimately prevail after scoring three of the frame's final four points to take the match.

Kaitlyn Flynn had a big outing with 19 kills while posting a pair of blocks and a service ace. She also added nine digs on the defensive side.

Two other Panthers recorded double-digit kills in the match, including Katie Kopshever (14) and Ireland Hieb (11). Defensively, Kopshever posted 15 digs for a double-double, while Hieb made her presence felt at the net with four blocks.

Sylvia Hasz also put up a double-double performance with a team-leading 22 assists to go along with 13 digs.

Laura Paniagua led the Panthers with 18 digs. She was followed by Ariadna Pereles with 15 digs.

The Panthers and Leathernecks will run it back on Friday at 4 p.m. ESPN+ and Live Stats coverage will be available.