Eastern Illinois will face off against Lindenwood for the third time this season, the second time in OVC play. The Panthers are 0-2 against the Lions, losing 5-0 in both matches. EIU is coming off a difficult OVC weekend; however, the Panthers easily beat Tennessee Tech 5-0 in the weekend finale.
Home Opener
For the first time this season, EIU will compete at their brand-new beach volleyball facility. After recent renovations, the Panthers' new home for beach volleyball is at the Linder Sports Complex, not too far from the previous location, Sister City Park. EIU will host Lindenwood this weekend for their lone home match of the 2026 season. In 2025, Eastern Illinois held only one home match as well, facing off against their travel partner, Lindenwood University. However, with the new complex, the Panthers will envision multiple home games a season in future years.
Last Time Out
The Panthers went 1-3 at the first OVC weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee. EIU fell to Morehead State, UT Martin, and Chattanooga, but swept Tennessee Tech 5-0. Two standout pairs were Lilli Amettis and Syliva Hasz, along with Laura Paniagua and Giorgia Cappelletti. Both pairs pushed their matches to three sets while also winning their match against Tennessee Tech.
The Panthers and Lions faced off against each other two other times this season, including the season opener at the MO State Tournament. A month later, EIU traveled to St. Charles for the first OVC match of the season. Lindenwood won both of the matches 5-0.
Scouting Report
Lindenwood arrives in Charleston with a beach volleyball-specific roster holding a 13-5 (4-1 OVC) record. The Lions went 3-1 at the OVC Weekend #1, winning matches against Tennessee Tech, Morehead State, and UT Martin. However, they dropped their weekend opener against Chattanooga. Lindenwood also went 3-1 at the Beach Bear Bash, winning against Eastern Kentucky, Central Arkansas, and Southwest Baptist. Prior to the first OVC weekend, the Lions went 2-2 at the Battle on the Bay in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Season Long OVC Notes
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).
Final results will be available after the conclusion of the matches.
