Eastern Illinois was unable to climb over the hump to secure the series sweep. Southern Indiana improves 6-8 (1-1 OVC), while the Panthers fall to 2-11 (1-1 OVC). Katie Kopshever recorded her second straight double-double, while three Panthers finished with double-digit kills.
The five-set wrestling match began with both teams delivering punches. EIU threw first with a 5-0 scoring run, but USI responded with four straight points, holding a slim 15-13 advantage. Each team took turns with long scoring runs, but Eastern Illinois was able to secure the last one, scoring five straight points to reach set point. The Panthers closed out the first set 25-22.
Set two and three followed the same note. Both sets combined for 25 ties and seven lead changes. Southern Indiana kept the Panthers at arm's length the entire way, closing out set two 25-20. The third set went the distance, including two separate 4-0 scoring runs by Eastern Illinois. The Panthers held the 15-11 advantage heading into the media timeout. USI turned the momentum around with a 4-0 run, followed by three straight points to take a 20-19 lead. Ashby Willis was vital for the Screaming Eagles in their third set run. Willis finished the match with a double-double: 24 kills and 15 digs. However, Eastern Illinois battled back, scoring three of the next four points, regaining a 23-22 advantage. Katie Kopshever kept the Panthers in winning contention, finishing the match with her second straight double-double: 17 kills and 25 digs. EIU closed out set three off back-to-back kills by Anaya Rawlinson and McKenna Morton.
Set four went the distance once again, with USI closing out the set 26-24. Each team was unable to create separation, but the Screaming Eagles' two less miscues proved to be the difference in the set.
The fifth set was a thriller with each team going point-for-point. Eastern Illinois started slow, beginning with a bad set, followed by a misdig setting up Aysa Thomas for the kill. EIU rebounded, tying the match at seven a piece heading into the late stages of the set. The Panthers took control of the set after Emma Hanson smashed a kill off the hands of Alanys Nieves. Hanson finished the match with 15 kills and five blocks. Nieves totaled 30 assists, as she and Peyton Castillo combined for 59 assists. Tied at 12, Willis brought the Screaming Eagles home, collecting the final three USI kills to close out the night with a 15-13 set five victory.
For the Panthers, Kopshever led the way offensively with 17 kills, followed by Hanson with 15 and Jorah Rutter with 12. Defensively, Ariadna Pereles and Kopshever each finished with 25 digs. Alana Guibert recorded her second start of the season, finishing with a team-best six blocks.
By The Numbers:
EIU: 193 Attacks, 72 Kills, 69 Assists, .218 Hit%, 5 Aces, 80 Digs, 12 Blocks
USI: 183 Attacks, 69 Kills, 63 Assists, .246 Hit%, 5 Aces, 71 Digs, 14 Blocks
Up Next: Panthers will travel to Lindenwood University next weekend with the first match on October 2nd at 6:00 PM.
