Eastern Illinois University split its final two matches on April 18 during the second day of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Weekend. The Panthers secured a win against Tennessee Tech before falling to UT Martin, concluding their regular season with a record of 5-13 overall and 2-8 in conference play.
The outcome highlights the team’s efforts as they approach the upcoming conference tournament. Securing another victory over Tennessee Tech marks Eastern Illinois’ third win against that opponent this season.
In the first match, Eastern Illinois defeated Tennessee Tech by winning three duals. Laura Paniagua and Lilli Amettis earned a straight-set victory over Poppe and Walter with scores of 21-11 and 21-19. Tori Mohesky and Alanys Nieves continued their strong performance with a two-set win against Gabriel and Craig, finishing at 21-14 and 21-10. Ariadna Pereles and Emma Schroeder clinched the match for Eastern Illinois by defeating Rotola and Knepp in straight sets, posting scores of 21-14 and 21-18. Katie Kopshever and Anaya Rawlinson pushed their dual to three sets but ultimately lost to Jones and Kilgore.
In their second match, Eastern Illinois faced UT Martin but was unable to secure a win. Mohesky and Nieves lost in two sets to Mariscal and Arcucci (23-21, 21-14). Pereles and Schroeder battled closely but were defeated by Traiger and Kryak in three sets (21-13, 19-21, 15-6). Kopshever and Rawlinson also went to three sets but fell short against Phillips and Freund (21-10, 19-21, 15-10).
Looking ahead, Eastern Illinois will travel to Martin, Tennessee for the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament scheduled for April 23.
