Eastern Illinois 8-6 (2-2 OVC) vs. Western Illinois 5-14 (2-4 OVC)

Date & Time: October 14th at 6:00 p.m.

Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats

All Time Series: 24-16

Game One:

Eastern Illinois 8-6 (2-2 OVC) vs. SEMO 11-7 (4-2 OVC)

Date & Time: October 17th at 6:00 p.m.

Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats

All Time Series: 22-47

Game Two: 

Eastern Illinois 8-6 (2-2 OVC) vs. SEMO 11-7 (4-2 OVC)

Date & Time: October 18th at 4:00 p.m.

Live Coverage: ESPN+ | Live Stats 

All Time Series: 22-47

After a struggling weekend at Southern Indiana, losing both matches, the Panthers are looking to bounce back with three matches this week. EIU will travel to Western Illinois for a single match before returning home to host SEMO on Friday and Saturday. As a reminder, Saturday will be Stand Up For Cancer Night!

Looking Back: EIU traveled to Evansville, Indiana, on October 3rd and 4th, which did not go according to plan. After the bye week, the Panthers have the opportunity to get back on track and move forward. Although the team suffered record-wise, there were individual performers who stood out over the weekend. For starters, Katie Kopshever continues to be a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 21 kills and 18 digs. As usual, Catalina Rochaix was spectacular, recording 66 assists and 20 digs. Defensively, Arianda Pereles contributed 40 digs. 

About the Panthers: EIU will open the week with an 8-6 (2-2 OVC) record, sitting tied for 6th place in the OVC. In addition, EIU ranks 17th in the country for digs per set with 16.77 and 19th in the country for team attacks per set with 37.23. On the season, the team has totaled 668 kills (12.8 per set), 618 assists (11.9 per set), and 100.5 blocks (1.9 per set). Outside of the usual leaders of Rochaix, Ariadna Pereles, and Destiny Walker, EIU has received contributions from various individuals. The OVC player to watch, Lilli Amettis, is living up to expectations with 107 kills, 80 digs, and 26 blocks. Anaya Rawlinson has been great defensively, leading the team in blocks with 47. Emma Schroeder is right behind with her 40 total blocks. The Southern Indiana weekend standout, Katie Kopshever, is second on the team in kills with 130, and Tori Mohesky has become a do-it-all senior leader. In 48 sets played, she has recorded 84 kills, 84 digs, and 9 blocks. After this busy week of matches, EIU will host Western Illinois at home before traveling to Little Rock to face the number one team in the conference. 

About Western Illinois: Western Illinois opens the week at 5-14 (2-4 OVC). In conference play the Leathernecks have lost to Tennessee Tech and split matches with SIUE and UT Martin. WIU is led by Keyana Cruse, who recently won the OVC offensive player of the week. So far this season, she has recorded 253 kills (3.42 per set). Cruse is dominant defensively as well, totaling 265 digs. Paired with Cruse on the defensive end is Grace Kremer, the team leader in digs with 74. The last key contributor is Jaleah Bauss, the team leader in assists with 271. The Leathernecks are coached by Dale Starr who is in his 3rd season at the helm. 

About SEMO: SEMO enters the week with a 4-2 OVC record and 11-7 overall. They sit in a 3rd-place tie with Tennessee Tech, with SIUE right behind them at 4-3. In addition to their record, they have key individuals at the top of the conference. Offensively, they are led by Alaina Lester with 79 kills and a .348 hitting percentage. Her hitting percentage places her second in the OVC. Lucy Arndt is fourth in the OVC in total points with 301 and leads the team in kills with 258.  Defensively they are led by Nina Schuberth with 292 (4 per set). SEMO is led by head coach Julie Yankus, who is coaching her 15th season with the Redhawks. 

All Time Series: EIU is 24-16 against Western Illinois; however, the Leathernecks won both matches last year 3-1. EIU is 22-47 all-time against SEMO, losing both meetings 3-0. 

Each match can be followed along on ESPN+ or the live stat link above.