Eastern Illinois (1-4, 0-1 OVC) at OVC Weekend #1
March 27-28 | Chattanooga, TN. | UTC Sports Complex
Game 1: Friday vs. Morehead State at 11:00 AM | Live Stats
Game 2: Friday vs. UT Martin at 3:00 PM | Live Stats
Game 3: Saturday vs. Chattanooga at 7:00 AM | Live Stats
Game 4: Saturday vs. Tennessee Tech at 11:00 AM | Live Stats
After a two-week break, EIU will travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the first OVC weekend of the 2026 season. During the weekend, the Panthers will face Morehead State, UT Martin, Chattanooga, and Tennessee Tech.
Last Time Out
Before the long break in the action, EIU fell to Lindenwood in the OVC opener 5-0. Panthers will head to the OVC weekend with a 1-5 record. Eastern Illinois defeated McKendree University 5-0 at the Missouri State Tournament in February for their first win of the season.
EIU Expected Pairs
Laura Paniagua and Giorgia Cappelletti
Lilli Amettis and Sylvia Hasz
Tori Mohesky and Emma Schroeder
Alanys Nieves and Anaya Rawlinson
Katie Kopshever and Jorah Rutter
Scouting Report
Morehead State: Enters the weekend with a 4-9 record and 2-0 in the OVC with wins over Tennessee Tech, Liberty, and Salem (N.C.). The Eagles lead the all-time series 11-1, with EIU winning the matchup last year in the OVC tournament. Morehead State is coached by Sarah Martin, who is in her third season at the helm.
UT Martin: The Skyhawks hold a 6-3 record and 0-1 in conference. Last weekend, UT Martin went 3-1 at the UCA Spring Break Invitational. The Skyhawks beat Texas A&M-Kingsville, Central Arkansas, and Mary Hardin-Baylor but fell short against Texas A&M-Kingsville in their second meeting. UT Martin is coached by Jaclynn Wilson, who is in her ninth season at the helm. The Skyhawks lead the all-time series against EIU 9-0 after winning the matchup in the OVC tournament last season.
Chattanooga: The Mocs are 6-3 and 1-0 in OVC play, with a win over UT Martin on March 18th. In the last six games, Chattanooga has a perfect 6-0 record, including a Stache Bash tournament title. The Mocs are coached by Darin Van Horn, who was named the first-ever beach volleyball coach in program history in 2019. EIU is still looking for their first win over the Mocs, with Chattanooga leading the all-time series 8-0.
Tennessee Tech: The Golden Eagles are currently 2-13 and 0-2 in OVC play. Tennessee Tech lost back-to-back games against Morehead State and is currently on a six-game losing skid. The two wins come from LaGrange at the Berry Beach Kickoff and Salem at the Coastal Carolina Invitational. The Golden Eagles are coached by Isabella Borgiotti, who is in her second season at the helm. The all-time series favors Tennessee Tech with an 8-0 record against EIU.
OVC Preseason Poll
1. Chattanooga (10) – 50
2. UT Martin (2) – 37
3. Morehead State – 36
4. Lindenwood – 28
5. Tennessee Tech – 17
6. Eastern Illinois – 12
Eastern Illinois' OVC Player to Watch
Sylvia Hasz was named a 2026 OVC beach player to watch. Hasz was a prominent player for the Panthers last beach volleyball season and is coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance during the indoor season against Wisconsin. In the fall, the senior appeared in 11 matches, playing 21 sets. She produced a total of 75 assists (3.57 APS).
The results will be available after the conclusion of each match.
