EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (8-12, OVC 3-5) failed to execute in crucial situations against Western Illinois University (11-8, OVC 5-3) on Friday night in round one of the two-game series at Screaming Eagles Arena. The Leathernecks earned the three set sweep (30-32, 22-25, 14-25).
Set 1: WIU 32, USI 30
Friday’s match seemed to have the billings of a classic after an intensely tight first set. Freshman Kerigan Fehr helped the Screaming Eagles tie the set at seven with back-to-back service aces. Graduate senior Jasmine Green came alive with four huge early kills as USI trailed 15-17. Things looked bleak down by five until sophomore Ashby Willis went on a tear with five kills in a 7-2 Eagles run. Both teams proceeded to trade points as USI has two opportunities to snatch the match. However, WIU seized momentum and earned the final three points and the set. USI drops to 5-15 on the year in the first sets.
Set 2: WIU 25, USI 22
The Eagles looked to regain momentum taking the early 17-11 lead as they tallied three service aces from junior Keira Moore, freshman Layla Gonzales, and Fehr. Willis helped the Eagles hold a 19-15 lead with her fourth kill of the set. Western Illinois quickly turned the tide erupting on a 10-3 run to steal set two from the Eagles. Willis smashed 14 kills in only two sets, along with 20 digs.
Set 3: WIU 25, USI 14
WIU dominated the third set building an early 7-1 lead. Redshirt freshman Maeve Moonan tried helping the Eagles dig out of the hole with her first career kill. Sophomore Ellie Marbet also stepped in grabbing her first career kills with two. However, USI struggled to defend WIU as they hit a .289 percentage in set three finishing the Eagles.
Willis was bright spot for the Eagles offensively leading with 14 kills on an efficient .297 hitting percentage. Senior Carly Sobieralski totaled 32 assists, while Willis finished with a monstrous career high 24 digs in limited action.
Next up for the Eagles
Come support the squad tomorrow against Western Illinois University on Saturday at Screaming Eagles Arena at 2 p.m.
