After winning a five-set thriller on Oct. 11 against Tennessee State, the Eastern volleyball team (4-16, 1-9 Ohio Valley Conference) was looking to continue their success this weekend against league foes.

That was not to be, as the Panthers were swept by Murray State (25-16, 25-12, 25-14) Saturday in Murray, Ky.

Eastern also fell to Tennessee Martin on Friday at Martin, Tenn., in consecutive sets (25-18, 25-12, 25-19).

Murray State (9-11, 6-4 OVC) had an advantage in serving against the Panthers.

The Racers had six aces to Eastern’s lone ace. Eastern also had six service errors – four more than Murray State.

“We had a great serving day,” Racers’ head coach David Schwepker said in a press release. “What we really are trying to do serving are tactical things. We got some aces tonight with those tactical approaches.”

The Panthers had difficulty with their hitting as well. The Racers put up a hitting percentage of .347. Murray State freshman setter Jade Guo had a hitting percentage of .556, a career high.

The Panthers, however, hit .129 as a team.

Murray State freshman outside hitter Logan Su had 12 kills, a match high.

Eastern sophomore outside hitters Alex Zwettler and Kelsey Orr had 11 and nine kills, respectively.

Sophomore outside hitter Jorie Dieter had four blocks against the Racers, but the Panthers were out-blocked by Murray State 9-5.

Tennessee Martin (7-16, 5-5 OVC) also out hit Eastern .356 to .116.

This allowed the Skyhawks to score 41 kills to the Panthers’ 29 and distribute 36 assists. Eastern had 30 assists.

“I am really pleased with the way we passed the ball tonight and I believe that is why we were also able to hit the way we did,” interim Skyhawks’ head coach Darrin McClure said in a press release.

This hitting percentage was the third highest Bennett’s squad relinquished this season.

Tennessee Martin senior outside hitter Breanne Carey had 15 kills. Zwettler and Eastern freshman outside hitter Madison Barr had nine kills each.

The Panthers return to action at 7 p.m. Friday against Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, Ky.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.