Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)
Eastern Illinois Volleyball suffers their second loss of the weekend. EIU falls to 6-4, while Illinois improves to 5-4.
Set One: Jorah Rutter would get the match started with a right-side spike, changing the serve team early. Walker would follow a few plays later with a solo block to open a 4-0 scoring run for the Panthers. Illini ensuring a close match evens it up at 14 apiece using multiple scoring runs. Before the media timeout, Katie Kopshever would break the tie with a right-side spike to quiet the crowd. After the break, a Destiny Walker kill and Tori Mohesky serving an ace forced the first Illinois timeout of the day, leading 17-14. The Illini would score the next four out of five points, generating momentum, causing an EIU timeout. Then, two Illinois points later, the Panthers were forced to call another timeout to stop the bleeding. EIU tried to provide resistance late in the set, but Illinois closed set two out 25-21. In the stats department, Destiny Walker recorded 6 kills, and Catalina Rochaix totaled 12 assists.
Set Two: After dropping set one, Anaya Rawlinson blocks three attacks to start the set, giving EIU another early lead. As expected, both teams were unable to create any separation, with each taking turns scoring. With the score knotted up 9-9, EIU would score five of the next six charged by multiple defensive efforts by Anaya Rawlinson, including her fourth block of the set. The media timeout would break the action with the Panthers in short control, 15-12. The tight scoring action continued with the set tied at 18 until Anaya Rawlinson recorded another block alongside Destiny Walker to regain the lead. Illini would use a timeout, which led to scoring four unanswered points to be within striking distance of closing out the set. EIU would go on to drop set two 25-21. As a team, EIU totaled 11 kills and 6 blocks. Throughout the set, there were 9 ties and 5 lead changes.
Set Three: Unlike the first two sets, the Illini came out red hot with an early set lead of 4-1 fueled by a 3-0 scoring run. After falling behind, the Panthers would settle their feet, scoring six unanswered to retake the early 7-4 lead. However, Illinois was unfazed and went on a long scoring run of their own. The Illini scored five straight points to energize their home crowd, forcing coach Millar to call time. With Illinois threatening to wrap up the game, the Panthers showed life after a Destiny Walker kill and a Laura Paniagua serve to keep the set within reach, down by two. A pivotal correct challenge call by coach Miller gave EIU life, keeping the match alive. In addition to the challenge, Destiny Walker drove a Panthers comeback with three straight kills to even the set at 21-21. The match would go the distance with Illinois closing out 28-26.
By the Numbers: Destiny Walker led the way with 16 kills, Catalina Rochaix recorded 35 assists, and Anaya Rawlinson contributed 7 blocks. As a team, EIU tallied 46 kills, 41 assists, 53 digs, and 9 blocks.
The Panthers will be back in action September 26th & 27th for the home opener against Lindenwood.
