CHARLESTON, Ill. – Tennessee State volleyball concluded its two-match Ohio Valley Conference road series against Eastern Illinois on Friday afternoon, falling 3-0 (25-9, 25-21, 25-19) at Gardella Family Court at McAfee Gym.
The Tigers (0-17, 0-6 OVC) showed their strongest offensive production in the second set, battling through five ties and four lead changes before Eastern Illinois (5-14, 4-4 OVC) secured the victory.
Gabriella Blevins led Tennessee State with seven points, recording three kills on a .333 hitting percentage, three service aces and a solo block. Gabrielle Washington followed with 6.5 points, contributing four kills on .222 hitting, one solo block and three block assists.
Wiktoria Jakubik added four kills, while Carsyn Stansberry provided an offensive spark with three kills on five attempts, hitting a team-best .600.
Freshman setter Triniti Jackson distributed 12 assists while adding six digs, a service ace and three total blocks. Sydni Poston led the defensive effort with nine digs and a service ace, while Jordan Imperial contributed eight digs.
How It Happened
Set One | Eastern Illinois 25, Tennessee State 9
Eastern Illinois established control of the opening frame, using its offensive attack and defensive pressure to limit Tennessee State's scoring opportunities.
The Tigers worked to establish their offense, recording five kills on 25 attempts. However, nine attack errors made it difficult for Tennessee State to build sustained offensive momentum.
Eastern Illinois maintained its advantage throughout the set, recording seven kills while capitalizing on Tennessee State's offensive miscues. The Panthers secured the opening frame, 25-9, to take a 1-0 match lead.
Set Two | Eastern Illinois 25, Tennessee State 21
Tennessee State responded with a stronger performance in the second set, finding more consistency offensively and challenging Eastern Illinois throughout the frame.
The Tigers recorded eight kills on 26 attempts while hitting .115, their most efficient offensive set of the afternoon.
Both teams exchanged momentum during the frame, which featured five ties and four lead changes. Tennessee State's offensive production and contributions from the service line helped keep the Tigers within striking distance as the set progressed.
Eastern Illinois countered with 15 kills on .273 hitting, but Tennessee State continued to battle and remained competitive into the closing points.
The Panthers ultimately secured the second set, 25-21, to take a two-set advantage.
Set Three | Eastern Illinois 25, Tennessee State 19
Tennessee State continued to challenge Eastern Illinois in the third frame, competing through seven ties and five lead changes as both teams battled for control.
The Tigers found ways to stay competitive through their defensive effort and blocking presence, keeping the score close through portions of the set.
Eastern Illinois recorded 13 kills in the frame, but Tennessee State continued to respond and prevented the Panthers from maintaining control throughout the early exchanges.
The Tigers finished with four kills in the final set, while the Panthers eventually created enough separation to secure the 25-19 victory and complete the sweep.
Match Notes
- Blevins finished with a team-high seven points, including three service aces and a solo block.
- Washington recorded four kills and four total blocks, finishing with 6.5 points.
- Stansberry hit .600 with three kills on five attempts.
- Jackson collected 12 assists, six digs and three total blocks.
- Poston and Imperial combined for 17 digs.
- Tennessee State totaled five service aces, including three from Blevins.
- The Tigers registered three solo blocks and six block assists, totaling six team blocks.
- The second and third sets featured 12 combined ties and nine lead changes.
Up Next
Tennessee State returns to Nashville for its next scheduled Ohio Valley Conference competition.
