The Panthers are back in action after their week off and will travel to Lindenwood University to open OVC play. EIU is looking to bounce back from their opening weekend, where they went 1-3. Eastern Illinois will face the Lions on Saturday for the second time this season.  

Last Time Out 

The opening weekend tournament was not kind to the Panthers as they went 1-3. EIU competed in the MO State Tournament, facing Lindenwood, Central Arkansas, Missouri State, and McKendree. They lost the first three games 5-0 but ended the weekend on a high note, sweeping McKendree 5-0. Giorgia Cappelletti and Laura Paniagua were bright spots for the Panthers, quickly winning their match 2-0. For their efforts, Cappelletti and Paniagua were nominated for the OVC Pair of the Week.  

About Lindenwood 

The Lions welcome EIU to St. Charles, Missouri, with a record set at 6-2. Opened their season going 3-1 at the Missouri State Tournament, including a 5-0 win over Eastern Illinois. The Lions finished the weekend with wins over Central Arkansas and McKendree. A week later, they returned to Missouri State for the Beach Bear Bash, where they went 3-1. The Lions beat Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Baptist, and Central Arkansas. The two losses for Lindenwood come at the hands of Missouri State.  

All-Time Series  

Since beach volleyball is relatively new at Eastern Illinois, these two programs met just eight times. The Lions lead the all-time series 6-1. Lindenwood and EIU competed on February 20th, 2026, in the Missouri State Tournament. The Lions won 5-0. In 2025, Lindenwood won a narrow match 3-2. The first-ever matchup took place in 2023, where EIU won 4-1.  

2026 OVC Beach VB Predicted Order of Finish 

1. Chattanooga (10) – 50  

2. UT Martin (2) – 37  

3. Morehead State – 36  

4. Lindenwood – 28  

5. Tennessee Tech – 17  

6. Eastern Illinois – 12 

The results will be available after the conclusion of the match.