The Eastern volleyball team split its doubleheader with Tennessee State over the weekend, winning match two as outside hitters Kaitlyn Flynn and Giovana Larregui Lopez combined for over 20 kills. 

With the split doubleheader, the Panthers are now in fourth place in the OVC with an 8-5 record, one match behind Morehead State. 

Flynn led the offense with 25 kills, her third most this season, and Lopez was close behind with 22 kills. The outside hitters combined for 47 of the Panther’s 64 kills to help seal the 3-1 over the Tigers. 

Freshman setter Catalina Rochaix had 38 assists in the second match, her second most this season. Senior setter Summerlyn Smith had 16 assists and six digs while Rochaix had nine digs.  

Defensively, the Panthers were led by senior middle blocker Ireland Hieb, who had four blocks and four kills. Junior libero Christina Martinez Mundo had 15 digs and Lopez was not far behind with 10 digs. 

The first match of the day saw the Panthers fall 1-3. Flynn and junior outside hitter Ella Collins tied for the lead in kills with 12 each. Collins posted her most kills in a match since Set. 10.  

Lopez and Emily Wilcox each chipped in six kills.  

Smith and Rochaix split the setter position in match one. Smith led the team with 19 assists and Rochaix had 17 to add. 

Defensively, Mundo had 16 digs to lead the Panthers and Kate Dean had a time at the net as she was able to post six blocks. Annika Black was able to add three block assists. 

The Panthers will be back in Lantz Arena against Tennessee Tech this Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Saturday is Senior Night for the Panthers.  

Autumn Schulz can be reached at 581-2812 or acschulz@eiu.edu