Eastern Illinois earns its first OVC sweep of the season after firing off a 3-0-win against Tennessee State. Last season, the Panthers totaled seven series sweeps. With the win, EIU improves to 5-14 (4-4 OVC), while the Tigers fall to 0-17 (0-6 OVC).
The Panthers began the match with little resistance from the Tigers, doubling up TSU 10-5. EIU continued the fiery start, holding a 15-6 advantage heading into the media timeout. With Katie Kopshever missing in action, the sophomore, Jorah Rutter, stepped up in her absence, leading the match with 10 kills. After the break, Alana Guibert paced the Panthers the rest of the way, totaling six of her seven blocks in the first set. Guibert's seven blocks mark a career-high after totaling five earlier this season. Holding the Tigers to a –0.16 hitting percentage, EIU faced no trouble, winning 25-9.
Using an early 6-0 scoring run, the Panthers wasted no time jumping out in front, leading 15-9. Moments later, Abana Teran lasered a right-side kill to expand the lead to six (20-14). Heading into the late stages of the match, the Tigers charged for a late rally, closing the deficit to within two, led by multiple Panther miscues. However, Mckenna Morton cut the run short, with a kill to end set two, winning 25-21. Morton played the entire match, recording seven kills.
Both teams traded points to open the closing set, with the scored knotted a 10 apiece. The Tigers held their first media timeout lead of the weekend, holding a narrow 15-13 command. Trailing 17-14, the Panthers turned the ship around, scoring four unanswered points. After a TSU point, EIU rattled off another long run, scoring six straight, led by Rutter and Guibert. Reaching set point, Rutter closed the match with her 10th kill of the night. She has now recorded back-to-back double-digit kills in matches and four in the season.
Hannah Hawkins directed the Panthers offense with 15 assists, while Alanys Nieves produced 12 assists. Nieves collected three of the Panthers' six service aces. Along with Guibert defensively, Ariadna Pereles led the way with a match-best 10 digs.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 91 Attacks, 35 Kills, 32 Assists, .187 Hit%, 6 Aces, 28 Digs, 8 Blocks
TSU: 75 Attacks, 17 Kills, 15 Assists, -.067Hit%, 5 Aces, 35 Digs, 6 Blocks
Up Next: Following a bye week, the Panthers will return to action at Morehead State on October 29th & 30th.
