Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Eastern Illinois earns their second series sweep of the season after a 3-0 win over WIU. EIU has now won six out of their last seven games.The Panthers move to 8-15 (7-5 OVC), while the Leathernecks fall to 3-19 (3-9 OVC). EIU's offense led the way with 40 kills and .230 hitting percentage. Katie Kopshever recorded her sixth double-double of the season, tallying 18 kills & 10 digs 

EIU wasted no time setting the tone with three multiple-point scoring runs to hold a 15-10 advantage. The Panthers used their offensive surge to hold the Leathernecks at arm's length the rest of the way. EIU closed the set, scoring four of the last five points, including two service aces from Alanys Nieves. Eastern Illinois recorded six aces on the night. The Panthers finished set with a match-high .293 hitting percentage.  

Similar to Thursday, set two was tightly contested until EIU capitalized on three WIU miscues to hold a 16-12 lead. The Panthers remained out in front with a four-point lead paced by Kaeden Foxx and Kopshever. Foxx recorded three of her seven kills in the set, while Kopshever added five. After the Panthers reached set point, the Leathernecks mounted a 3-0 run to trim the deficit to two points at 24-22. However, Eastern Illinois' defense remained strong, finishing the set with a block by Abana Teran and Hannah Hawkins. EIU finished the night with 10 team blocks, led by three Panthers who each recorded four. 

WIU controlled the early stages of the final set, but EIU shifted the momentum by scoring six of seven points surrounding the media timeout. With a 17-13 lead, the EIU continued to attack, extending the advantage to 21-16. With the finish line in sight, WIU had a strong response, rattling off five consecutive points to pull within one at 23-22. After their set point was turned away, WIU knotted the match at 24 apiece. Then, EIU delivered the final blow, with Kopshever smashing a kill from the back row. The Leathernecks' 20th attack error of the night ultimately handed the Panthers match point.  

The Panthers defense kept WIU at bay, with Alana Guibert, Emma Hanson, and Foxx each tallying four blocks. EIU also recorded 50 digs, led by Ariadna Pereles' match-high 18.  

By The Numbers: 
EIU: 122 Attacks, 44 Kills, 42 Assists, .230 Hit%, 6 Aces, 50 Digs, 10 Blocks 

WIU: 113 Attacks, 38 Kills, 37 Assists, .159 Hit%, 4 Aces, 50 Digs, 3Blocks 

Up Next: EIU will face SIUE for their final home series of the season starting November 12th at 6pm.