Eastern Illinois are crowned regular-season co-champions of the OVC after beating Tennessee Tech 3-1 to close out their regular season slate. The Panthers improve to 21-7 (15-3 OVC), while Tennessee Tech falls to 14-16 (11-6 OVC). 

Prior to the 2025 season, EIU was picked to finish 8th in the preseason poll. Now, the Panthers have won two out of the last three regular season OVC titles.  

Eastern Illinois volleyball has won their fourth regular season title, and it is the second time they are co-champions. The previous OVC co-champion season was in 2004.  

Set One: Eastern Illinois came out flat to start the match, trailing 10-4 after the Golden Eagles scored three straight to force an early EIU timeout. However, as usual, the Panthers responded right away with a 6-0 scoring outburst to tie the match at 10. Both teams battled back and forth, taking turns scoring. Late in the match, the score tied at 20 off three different Panther kills (Amettis, Mohesky, and Kopshever). Later in the match, the Panthers held a 23-22 lead, but let their foot off the gas, enabling a 3-0 run by the Golden Eagles to steal set one.  

Set Two: Like set one, the Golden Eagles sprinted out of the gate, taking control with a 7-4 lead. The Panthers would tie the set at 10 apiece after a pair of block assists by Lilli Amettis and Anaya Rawlinson. As the match moved along, the set featured 10 ties and 4 lead changes. Heading into the media timeout, EIU held a small 15-12 advantage after scoring back-to-back points, including another block assist with Lilli Amettis involved. After the break in the action, the Golden Eagles rattled off two quick points. The score continued to change, moving into the final stage of the set. EIU found their rhythm late to finally create separation, scoring four straight unanswered points. Tennessee Tech responded with 5 straight points, causing a late EIU timeout. With their backs against the wall, the Panthers needed to shift gears, which promoted a spectacular 3-0 scoring run to steal set two.  

Set Three: After two thrilling sets, the Panthers found their groove and dominated right out of the gate. EIU scored seven straight points to take a commanding 7-1 advantage. Eastern Illinois continued to control the momentum as they headed into the media timeout with a 15-7 lead. After the break, the Panthers held strong on both sides of the ball, extending their lead to 20-11 after a kill by Destiny Walker and a Golden Eagles timeout. After the stoppage of play, Destiny Walker opened with a service ace, followed by an Amettis kill. The Golden Eagles threatened to come back, scoring four unanswered. Coach Millar called time to stop the bleeding, and the Panthers responded by closing out the set 25-16.  

Set Four: Unlike set three, both teams fought valiantly. The Panthers struck first with a 5-0 scoring run, taking the early 10-8 advantage. Heading into the media timeout, the Panthers led 15-12 with the momentum on their side. After the break, EIU opened with a Katie Kopshever strike off the assist from Catalina Rochaix. As the set moved along, EIU held an arm's length distance, avoiding a Golden Eagle comeback. Eastern Illinois is on the move to put the match away with a 4-0 scoring run to lead 21-17, leading to a late Golden Eagle timeout. However, the timeout was not enough to stop the charge by the Panthers, who ensured a match victory after a kill by Kopshever and Amettis.  

By the Numbers: Winning the regular season championship brings multiple leaders in the stats category. Three different Panthers totaled 10 kills (Walker, Kopshever, Amettis). Rochaix ran away with the assists category with 31. As a team, EIU tied the school record for most blocks in a four-set match with 18.  

EIU will host the OVC conference tournament starting Sunday, November 23rd, with the championship match taking place on Tuesday, November 25th.