Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

Eastern Illinois made a statement in the opening weekend of OVC play, sweeping the Lindenwood Lions. As a reminder, EIU was picked to finish eighth in the conference overall. This victory moves EIU to 8-4 (2-0), while Lindenwood drops to 4-6 (0-2).  

Set One: EIU suffered multiple slow starts on Friday, but today they had a different mindset. Eastern Illinois opened fast with a 4-0 scoring run off of the serves from Ariadna Pereles. EIU kept an arm's length away from the Lions throughout the match and used multiple mini scoring runs. Destiny Walker and Katie Kopshever, the dynamic offensive duo, cushioned the EIU lead to 22-13. The Lions would attempt to make a late comeback cutting EIU's lead to 24-17, but the Panthers would hold on with a Katie Kopshever kills to close out the opening set. EIU recorded a season high .405 hitting percentage with only 2 recorded errors.  

Set Two: After facing no trouble in set one, the Panthers were red hot with their longest scoring run of the season with seven unanswered points to take a 12-7 lead. However, Lindenwood responded with a 4-0 scoring run fueled by two serving aces by Alayna Rudebeck. Both teams would take turns scoring multiple points in a row, including another late charge from the Lions, who scored four straight points but continued to trail 23-20. With the late lead, EIU held on with Tori Mohesky and Lilli Amettis putting the set away.  

Set Three: Similar to game one on Friday, the Lions responded to the Panthers' roar in set three. Both teams fighting early were all tied up at 8 apiece. A service ace by Katie Kopshever and two Lindenwood errors would give the Panthers a 15-10 lead heading into the media timeout. After the break, the Lions put their foot on the gas, scoring six unanswered points to stun the EIU faithful, taking the lead 18-16. Later on, in the set, EIU would take a 22-21 lead charged by Katie Kopshever. Unfortunately, Lindenwood would speed past with a 3-0 scoring run to close out set three and stay alive.  

Set Four: With their eyes on closing the match out, EIU scored three straight to take the early 10-8 lead. Not too long after, the Panthers would tag on another four consecutive points to extend their lead to 15-11. The Lions tried to force a fifth set; however, the Panthers would stop their momentum quickly off two kills from Destiny Walker and Lilli Amettis paired with a Cataline Rochaix service ace. After two Lindenwood points, the Panthers avoided any late danger with a kill from Lilli Amettis and two kills by Katie Kopshever, including the final attack, to give the Panthers a 3-1 match victory!  

By The Numbers: A dominant performance from Lilli Amettis, who totaled 15 kills, 4 blocks, 3 digs, and 17 points. Right behind her, Destiny Walker recorded 13 kills and 8 digs. Katie Kopshever was dominant with 13 kills, 10 digs, and 14 points. Catalina Rochaix led the game with 49 assists and tallied 8 digs. Defensively, Ariadna Pereles led the game with 18 digs. 

Eastern Illinois will be back in action next weekend with two matches against Southern Indiana.