EIU extended their winning streak to four after beating Western Illinois 3-1. EIU moves to 12-6 (6-2 OVC), while the Leathernecks fall to 5-16 (2-6 OVC). 

Set One: After a dominant performance against SEMO, EIU continued their hot streak. A tight battle to start set one at 15-15 leading into the media timeout. After the break into the action, EIU came out swinging, charging a 5-0 scoring run. The momentum-shifting performance forced a Western Illinois timeout. The Leathernecks responded with two kills and a service ace. The Panthers did not panic, closing out set one 25-22.  

Set Two: The Panthers started strong in set two, leading 10-7 early, led by Katie Kopshever and company. Like set one, EIU used a long scoring run in the middle of the set to extend their lead to 17-12. Western Illinois called time and used the break to shift the momentum. Closing the deficit to 17-15, Eastern Illinois had to hold the Leathernecks at arm's length. Late in the match, WIU took advantage of the Panthers errors, earning their first lead of the set, 22-21. Eastern Illinois called a timeout and stormed back to win set two 26-24.  

Set Three: Down two sets, the Leathernecks used a 4-0 scoring run to start hot. The Panthers continued to struggle throughout the set but tied the match at 15-15, heading into the media timeout. Unfortunately, after the break, EIU was unable to hold off WIU, allowing them to score the next 6 out of 7 points. However, the Panthers charged a late comeback, fueling a 5-0 scoring run to energize the crowd with the set tied at 22. The Leathernecks would retake control and score three straight to win set three.  

Set Four: WIU stormed out of the gate, scoring six unanswered points to take an early lead. The Panthers responded with a 3-0 run to tie the match 7-7.  Each team was unable to find separation early in the set until the Panthers went nuclear. EIU went on a 9-0 scoring run to race past the Leathernecks, leading 20-11. With the media timeout unable to stop the bleeding, Eastern Illinois ended the set on a 14-3 run, scoring five straight points to close out the match. 

By The Numbers: EIU was led by multiple contributors. Lilli Amettis led the way with 16 kills and 4 blocks, Rochaix recorded 46 assists, Anaya Rawlinson contributed 5 blocks, Ariadna Pereles earned 27 digs, and Tori Mohesky produced 21 points.  

EIU will be back in action this weekend against Little Rock. Both matches can be followed on ESPN+ and Live Stats.