Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Eastern Illinois snapped a 10-match losing streak, opening conference play with a victory over Southern Indiana. EIU improves to 2-10 (1-0 OVC), while USI falls to 5-8 (0-1 OVC). The Panthers offense ignited the first OVC win of the season as three separate players totaled double-digit kills. EIU recorded a season-best .302 hitting percentage.

EIU quickly turned the page to open conference play with a controlling set one victory. The Panthers entered the media timeout with a 15-9 advantage. Eastern Illinois kept themselves out in front thanks to Jorah Rutter, who recorded a career-high 13 kills in the match. USI attempted a late rally, closing the deficit to within four (21-17). However, three USI miscues bolted the Panthers to a 25-18 victory. EIU finished the set, hitting .345 with only two attack errors.  

Both teams battled tightly throughout the second set, with USI holding a slim 15-13 advantage entering the schedule break. As each team traded points, Ashby Willis kept USI out in front. Willis finished the match with 15 kills and a .271 hitting percentage. EIU continued to stay within striking distance but was stuck trailing by three points the rest of the way, falling 25-22.  

Set three followed a similar note; both teams were tied at 14 before an USI attack error lifted the Panthers in front, reaching the media's break. The offense continued its momentum, directed by Alanys Nieves and Peyton Castillo. Nieves (29) and Castillo (21) combined for 50 assists on the night. Knotted at 20 apiece, Kopshever's attack error and Aysa Thomas' service ace pushed USI within three points of set victory. Coach Millar called timeout, which served the Panthers well. EIU answered with four straight points to reach the set point. A pivotal unsuccessful USI challenge allowed the Panthers to tie the match at 22.  USI called time, but Abana Teran was unfazed, smashing a right-side kill to earn their second set win.    

An old-fashioned OVC battle continued through the fourth set. Once again, EIU held control (15-14) entering the media break. Then, the Panthers broke apart from USI with a 3-0 run, forcing the Screaming Eagles to call timeout. Southern Indiana clawed their way back into the match, using a 3-0 run of their own. The rally was put to a halt by Rutter keeping EIU in the lead (19-17). USI completed the comeback, taking their first lead (20-19) of the set since an early 10-9 advantage. No timeout called, the Panthers battled back, tying the match at 22 apiece. EIU closed out the night, scoring the final three points to secure the match win over USI.  

Three Panther players reached double-digit kills: Abana Teran (16 kills), Kopshever (14 kills), and Rutter (13). Defensively, Ariadna Pereles led the way with 17 digs. Kopshever completed the double-double with 10 digs.  

By The Numbers: 
EIU: 149 Attacks, 63 Kills, 60 Assists, .302 Hit%, 6 Aces, 66 Digs, 5 Blocks   

USI: 150 Attacks, 55 Kills, 53 Assists, .260 Hit%, 4 Aces, 56 Digs, 6 Blocks   


Up Next: Panthers and USI will wrap up the season series tomorrow, Saturday, September 26th, at 4:00 PM.