The Panthers' volleyball team won their first game of the Ohio Bobcat Tournament today, August 30th, against Bucknell University in a match that went five sets. EIU moves to 1-0, while Bucknell drops to 0-3. 

EIU fell early, dropping set one after the Bison went on a strong 6-0 scoring run to break open the tight race. However, the Panthers would charge back, taking the second set 25-18 with multiple long scoring runs of their own to even the match. The third set, unlike the first two, brought even play throughout. The momentum would shift back and forth until Bucknell would take a 2-1 set lead on the back of 13 kills, 12 assists, and 15 digs. The Panthers made a late comeback but ultimately fell short. With their backs against the wall, Eastern Illinois flew out of the gates in set four with a quick 5-0 lead. EIU would use their strong defensive play with 15 blocks and 62 digs to hold onto the lead, forcing a fifth set. With the game on the line, it was all Eastern Illinois jumping to a quick 9-4 lead. After a Bucknell timeout, the Panthers kept their foot on the gas and would go on to win the final set 15-7 with Catalina Rochaix, Destiny Walker, and Ariadna Pereles dominating the box score to ensure the game one victory.

Walker finished the match with a game-high 21 kills, while Emma Schroeder followed closely behind with 16 and a hitting percentage of .609. 

Rochaix dominated the assist category with a game-high 53 assists. Only two other Panthers recorded an assist each. 

The stats leaders didn't stop there, with Pereles leading with 17 digs and Anaya Rawlinson with 8 blocks.

The EIU Panthers will be back in action on Sunday, August 31st, at 11:00 a.m. on ESPN+ for their second and final game of the Ohio Bobcat Tournament.