Eastern Illinois closes out the weekend in dominating fashion, sweeping UT Martin 3-0. The Panthers improve to 3-14 (2-4 OVC), while the Skyhawks fall to 7-10 (2-4 OVC). Ariadna Pereles reached an impressive milestone, surpassing the 1,000-career dig mark in a Panthers uniform. She is the 30th player in EIU history to join the 1,000+ dig club.
The Panthers offense started the afternoon strong, jumping out of the gate to a 15-8 advantage. For the match, Eastern Illinois was much improved, totaling 37 kills with a .242 hitting percentage. EIU maintained the momentum, propelling their lead to seven (20-13), sparking a mini 3-0 scoring run. Inching closer to the finish line, a Kaeden Kox kill and an Ariadna Pereles service ace moved the Panthers to within two. EIU capped off the first set with a stuff from Foxx and Alana Guibert to win 25-16. Guibert totaled a match-best five blocks in the match.
Both teams clashed to begin set two, but the Panthers broke through before the media timeout, holding a commanding 15-10 lead. EIU set the tone once again offensively, with a match-high 0.276 hitting percentage and 13 kills. Following the scheduled break, Katie Kopshever went back-to-back kills directed by Alanays Nieves. Kopshever finished with a match-best 13 kills and a .458 hitting percentage. EIU kept the Skyhawks at arm's length, keeping a steady five-point lead heading into the final stage of the set. The Panthers capitalized on UT Martin's eight miscues to face no trouble, closing the second set with Alanys Nieves' service ace.
EIU dominated the closing set, surging to a reckoning 18-8 lead. The Panther defense kept the Skyhawks offense in check, totaling nine blocks and 44 digs. UT Martin recorded only 29 kills and a 0.058 hitting percentage in the match. The Skyhawks attempted a late rally, closing the deficit to 23-17, led by Luli Arucci, who led UT Martin in kills (12), aces (1), and blocks (5). However, EIU cut the comeback short after Abana Teran smashed her sixth kill of the game. Following a Skyhawks point, Guibert closed the match with her fifth block of the day to move the Panthers into the winning column.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 91 Attacks, 37 Kills, 36 Assists, .242 Hit%, 9 Aces, 44 Digs, 9 Blocks
UT Martin: 104 Attacks, 29 Kills, 27 Assists, 0.058 Hit%, 3 Aces, 34 Digs, 8 Blocks
Up Next: The Panthers return home to face Tennessee State with the two-match series starting on October 15th at 6:00 PM.
