The EIU volleyball team outpaced the Tigers in four sets to close out the weekend series. The Panthers improved to 18-6 (12-2 OVC), while the Tigers fell to 1-28 (0-16 OVC). 

Set One: While last night consisted of hot starts for the Panthers, the Tigers kept the set close with the score tied at 9-9. EIU struck first threatening to run away with the set, scoring three straight points, causing TSU to use a timeout. The 3-0 run was the longest scoring run of the match so far. After the break in the action, the Panthers turned their offense up a notch, extending their lead to 18-13 with kills by Catalina Rochaix, Destiny Walker, and Emma Schroeder. Shortly after, EIU sped away from the Tigers, closing out set one 25-15.  

Set Two: The Panthers slowly started set two, trailing 10-8 early, due to a couple of service errors. The Tigers continued to maintain an arm's length away until EIU finally found a spark offensively, scoring six straight points to take their first lead of the set, 15-11. TSU called time to stop the bleeding; however, EIU held their largest lead of the set 18-12, after the break. With the set in their hands, leading 20-15, EIU became complacent, giving up four straight Tigers points to close the set within one. Not too long after, the Tigers would retake the lead 22-21, forcing Ryan Miller to use his first timeout of the match. TSU used their momentum to propel themselves into the victory column for a set two victory.  

Set Three: After losing a large lead in set two, EIU wasted no time regaining control of the match, leading 10-4 early. Multiple kills by Walker and errors by the Tigers allowed the Panthers to cushion their lead to 16-12. A late timeout by the Tigers did not faze the Panthers as they scored five straight points to close out set three, 25-15. Katie Kopshever and Walker continued to direct the Panthers offense to their set victory.  

Set Four: Panthers jumped out of the gate with multiple scoring runs led by Kopshever, Walker, and Rochaix, holding an early 10-4 lead. EIU was threatening to run away with the match, leading 14-6 after scoring four straight points. The Tigers were desperate to come back in the match called time; however, once again the break wouldn't stop the momentum. The Panthers scored five unanswered to hold a large 20-8 lead. TSU attempted a late charge, scoring four points, but it was not enough as EIU held strongly, winning 25-13. 

By The Numbers: Destiny Walker and Lilli Amettis led the way offensively with 17 kills. Amettis recorded a .474 hitting percentage, while Walker produced 11 digs. Rochaix continues to stand out with 44 assists, and Ariadna Pereles anchors the defense once again with 18 digs. Anaya Rawlinson led the match with 3 blocks. As a team, EIU recorded a .306 hitting percentage, 64 kills, 55 assists, 64 digs, and 8 blocks. 

EIU will be back in action next weekend at home against Morehead State on Thursday and Friday.