Live Stats vs. EIU | SIUE
Live Video vs. EIU | SIUE

CHARLESTON, Ill. – The EKU volleyball team hits the road this weekend for a two game swing at Eastern Illinois University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
 
The Colonels are coming off of a four game home-stand where they notched wins against Morehead State University and Tennessee State University. Led by junior Celina Sanks, EKU ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference in kills, averaging 13.01 per set. Sanks' 3.07 kill-per-set ranks seventh in the conference.
 
Defensively, the Colonels are fifth in blocks (1.82) and digs (15.71) per set. Junior defensive specialist Mallory Maxwell is fourth in the league, averaging 4.66 digs-per-set.
 
Junior outside hitter Nikki Drost and freshman Rachel Woody both turned in double-doubles in EKU's five-set loss to Belmont on Saturday. Woody ranks sixth in the nation with four triple-doubles on the season.
 
EIU (4-17, 1-5 OVC) freshman Maggie Runge leads the Panthers' defense, averaging 1.27 blocks-per-set. Runge's average ranks second in the conference, as does EIU's 2.45 blocks-per-set. Eastern Illinois sophomore Taylor Smith leads the country with seven triple-doubles this season.
 
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (11-6, 4-2 OVC) has lost its last two conference matches, after winning its first four. The Cougars dropped back-to-back matches at the Vadalabene Center last weekend to Murray State and Austin Peay.
 
SIUE holds its opponents to a .151 hitting percentage on the season, while ranking third in the league in digs with 16.96 digs-per-set. Junior Katie Shashack leads the Cougar defense with 4.69 digs-per-set.
 
Friday's match is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. while Saturday's match is slated to begin at 3:00 p.m.