Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – The EKU volleyball team sent its seniors off in style with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Senior Night Saturday at McBrayer Arena.
 
Eastern Kentucky won by scores of 25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 10-25 and 20-18.
 
EKU never trailed in the first set, leading by as many as eight points. The Colonels eventually won the set, 25-20, on a kill from Rachel Vick.
 
SIUE, however, controlled the second set. The Colonels pulled within three midway through the set, but the Cougars thwarted the EKU rally, claiming the set 25-17.
 
Eastern Kentucky used a late 10-0 run in the third set to overcome a 20-15 SIUE lead late. Eastern took its first lead of the set, 21-20, on one of Johanna Boyer's seven service aces on the night.
 
The Cougars regained momentum in the fourth set, cruising to a 25-10 victory, forcing a fifth.
 
Both teams came out swinging in the deciding set as both struggled to maintain a lead. Neither team led by more than two points the entire set. Celina Sanks landed a kill, giving the Colonels a one-point advantage, 19-18. EKU capitalized on a SIUE attack error to pick up the victory.
 
The Colonels were fueled by Sanks' 13 kills. Cassie Knutson added 38 assists for EKU. Ally Peters logged 12 kills, along with 11 from Vick in their final home match as a Colonel.
 
Eastern Kentucky has won two of its last three home regular season finales.
 
Boyer's seven aces set a new career-high for the junior, tying the program record. Saturday marked the fourth time an EKU player recorded seven aces in a match. The last time a Colonel notched seven aces was Nov. 21, 2013 (Alexis Plagens (vs. Eastern Illinois)).  
 
Ashley Witt led the way for SIUE with 18 kills. Kristen Torre posted 17 kills for the Cougars, as Mallory Mangun chipped in 35 assists. 
 
The Colonels (9-21, 8-6 OVC) return to action Tuesday as they travel to Morehead State University. Tuesday's match is scheduled for 7 p.m.