Box Score

The Panthers volleyball team opened their weekend series in dominating fashion, beating Tennessee State 3-0. After the win, EIU moves to 17-6 (11-2 OVC), while the Tigers drop to 1-27 (0-15 OVC).  

Set One: EIU opened the match with a quick start, 9-2, forcing an early timeout by Tennessee State. The Tigers showed some life, scoring three points; however, EIU still led 13-5. The offensive duo of Destiny Walker and Katie Kopshever continued to put their foot on the gas, charging a long scoring run, extending their lead to 17-6. The Panthers faced no trouble the rest of the way, winning 25-8.  

Set Two: Like set one, the Panthers dominated early, taking a 13-5 lead with Kopshever and Emma Schroeder leading the way. After a break in the action, EIU went on a 6-0 scoring run after a service ace from Tori Mohesky. The second timeout used by Tennessee State was no trouble for EIU, as they used multiple kills, including Jorah Rutter and a service ace, to lift the Panthers to a set two victory, 25-10.  

Set Three: Tennessee State provided resistance to start set three with the score of 10-6 in favor of the Panthers. After Laura Paniagua checked into the set, the Panthers scored five out of the next six points with multiple Panthers earning a kill. The run didn't stop there, as EIU extended their lead to 20-11. With the match in their hands, the Tigers charged a late comeback, scoring five points to cut the deficit to 22-16. However, the Panthers would not panic with Schroeder directing the offense to close out the set and the match.  

By The Numbers: Destiny Walker led the way with 13.5 points, 12 kills, and a .579 hitting percentage. Catalina Rochaix led the match in assists with 32. As a team, EIU had a .461 hitting percentage, 44 kills, 35 assists, 28 digs, and 9 blocks. 

EIU will complete the weekend series tomorrow against the Tigers at 2:00 p.m.