Eastern drops two matches this weekend
Kevin Maras/Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/28/09 Section: Sports
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Eastern lost in a four set match (17-25, 19-25, 25-18, 16-25) to Tennessee State Friday night, and got swept in three sets (21-25, 23-25, 18-25) against Austin Peay on Saturday.
The team has now dropped its last three matches and has allowed their OVC record to drop to 1-4.
While their overall record stands at 7-10, the Panthers feel that OVC matches are more important than the tournaments and that OVC matches are top priority.
"The OVC matches are what count," said head coach Alan Segal.
On Friday, the Panthers faced Tennessee State who outhit the panthers 49-43.
Led by sophomore Shaquita Williams, junior Santia Sanders and sophomore Terakka Walker, the Tigers made quick work of Eastern.
Williams had 11 kills while Sanders chipped in for 12 throughout the match. Walker added nine put always, helping out the Tigers attack advantage over Eastern .217 to .068.
For Eastern, junior outside hitter Kelsey Orr returned to action Friday night after recovering from a foot injury and led all Panthers with 14 kills.
Saturday night brought more of the same for Eastern as the Austin Peay Lady Govs swept them in three straight sets.
The first set saw back and forth play, as neither team seemed to be able to pull ahead for long.
However, with the help of powerful senior outside hitter Stephanie Champine, the Lady Govs were able to overcome the Eastern attack.
Champine recorded 20 kills throughout the match and was a menace to the Panthers the entire game.
The Panthers played well in the second set help with the help of some key put aways by junior outside hitters Alex Zwettler and Kelsey Orr. Zwettler had nine put aways throughout the match, while Orr notched eight kills. After a huge kill by Zwettler to bring the score to 23-23, the Panthers lost the next two points and lost the set 23-25.
"We did what it takes to win," said Austin Peay head coach Mike Johnson.
There was no looking back for Austin Peay after that.
Taking advantage of a worn down Eastern team, the Lady Govs pummeled the Panthers early on in the third set, amounting a 7-0 lead to start off the set.
Though the Panthers made a small run, and brought the score to 10-13 after a kill by Zwettler, the Austin Peay attack was too much and the set was won 18-25 by the Lady Govs who won the match three sets to none.
The Panthers next game is not until next Friday when they will visit Morehead State. The first serve is set for a 6 p.m.
Kevin Maras can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmaras@eiu.edu.
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