Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – Freshman Hannah Burkle’s solo block to end the fifth set completed Eastern Kentucky’s comeback 3-2 victory over Eastern Illinois on Saturday at McBrayer Arena.

EKU won by scores of 20-25, 25-20, 15-25, 25-23 and 15-10.

The Panthers (9-18, 6-10 OVC) cruised to a 10-point lead in the third set to take a 2-1 lead.  The Colonels (13-13, 8-7 OVC) kept the fourth set tight throughout.  An EIU attack error put the home team on top 20-19 before back-to-back kills by Kelsey Kuehner and Ashley Edmond made it 24-20.  Eastern Illinois scored three straight to close within one but Burkle’s kill ended the set and tied the match 2-2.

EIU opened the decisive fifth set by winning three of the first four points, but EKU kept the Panthers from running away.  A kill by Marissa Tashenberg tied the score 4-4.  The set was tied twice more before a kill by Edmond gave the Colonels the lead for good, 7-6.

Kills by Burkle and Abbey Cvelbar followed by an EIU attack error allowed Eastern Kentucky to stretch a one-point lead to four, 13-9.  A kill by Burkle gave her team match-point, 14-10, and then the freshman finished it off with a solo block right in the middle of the net.

Edmond led Eastern Kentucky with 17 kills to go along with 10 digs.  Burkle finished with 14 kills and six blocks.

Emily Franklin led all players with 24 kills for the Panthers.  Reynae Hutchinson added 18 kills and 12 digs.

EIU held a 66-53 advantage in kills and out-hit Eastern Kentucky .216 to .164.  However, EKU had five more service aces, five fewer service errors and two more blocks than the Panthers.

The Colonels will host rival Morehead State on Tuesday at McBrayer Arena.  The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.