Beach Volleyball Season Finale: OVC Weekend Extravaganza in Morehead, Kentucky
As the sun-kissed sands of Morehead, Kentucky, prepare to host the Eastern Illinois beach volleyball team this weekend, excitement is palpable in the air. With a crucial double-header on the horizon, the Panthers are set to showcase their skills as they close out the regular season at OVC Weekend #2.
Match Schedule: A Critical Showdown
The action kicks off this Friday, April 18, and runs through Saturday, April 19, featuring some thrilling matchups. Here’s a look at the schedule:
Friday Matches
- Match 1: vs. UT Martin, 2 p.m. ET | Live Stats
- Match 2: at Morehead State, 6 p.m. ET | Live Stats
Saturday Matches
- Match 3: vs. Tennessee Tech, 10 a.m. ET | Live Stats
- Match 4: vs. Chattanooga, 2 p.m. ET | Live Stats
Scouting the Competition: Who to Watch
In this fast-paced sport, knowing the enemy is half the battle. Let’s take a closer look at the competing teams set to challenge the Panthers:
UT Martin
With an impressive overall record of 18-8, UT Martin is no slouch. Their 3-3 conference mark shows they can hold their own. They enter this weekend in high spirits after a victorious 4-0 record at the UCA Beach Invitational. The dynamic duo of Sydney Eckhardt and Sydney McGee, boasting an outstanding 18-3 record primarily as the No. 4 pair, will be key players to watch.
Morehead State
Currently standing at 12-8 overall with a strong 5-1 in conference play, Morehead State is a formidable adversary. Despite splitting their recent matches, the No. 1 pairing of Bella Marita and Irene Wogenstahl leads the Eagles with nine hard-fought victories.
Tennessee Tech
Struggling this season, Tennessee Tech arrives with a 3-14 record overall, only managing a 1-5 conference mark. After a disappointing outing at the Blazer Beach Bash last weekend, they narrowly scraped a victory against EIU in their previous matchup. Can they bounce back?
Chattanooga
With an enviable record of 19-5 and undefeated in conference play, Chattanooga is the one to beat. After a stellar performance at the Blazer Beach Bash, where they swept all four matches, their No. 4 pairing of Joy Courtright and Julia Lawrence leads with a 20-3 record. Additionally, the No. 1 pair of Neva Clark and Corina Vale isn’t far behind, holding a respectable 18-6 record.
Last Time Out: A Close Call for EIU
Though the Panthers have had a challenging season, their last match showcased their competitive spirit. EIU faced off against Lindenwood, leading 2-0 before suffering a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat.
- Victory Highlights:
- The dynamic pair of Lilli Amettis and Julia Udell fought valiantly and clinched a 2-1 win, marking their second pair victory of the season.
- In a gripping match, Sylvia Hasz and Tori Mohesky rallied for their own 2-1 win after dropping the first set.
Despite this spirited start, Lindenwood’s straight-set victories in the remaining pairings saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Current Conference Standings: Who’s on Top?
As the regular season draws to a close, the OVC standings reflect a competitive landscape:
- 1st: Chattanooga (6-0)
- 2nd: Morehead State (5-1)
- 3rd: UT Martin (3-3)
- 3rd: Lindenwood (3-3)
- 5th: Tennessee Tech (1-5)
- 6th: Eastern Illinois (0-6)
A New Era: Meet Coach Ryan Millar
Progress is on the horizon for the Panthers under the guidance of Ryan Millar, who kicks off his tenure as head coach this season. A legendary middle blocker for the USA Men’s National Team, Millar’s impressive resume includes three Olympic appearances and a gold medal from Beijing 2008. He recently transitioned from a successful stint as an associate head coach, leading teams to back-to-back coaching excellence. EIU now looks to him to inspire a resurgence in their beach volleyball program.
Get Ready for an Exciting Conclusion
As the Eastern Illinois Panthers prepare for their final stretch of the season, fans can expect a showcase of heart, skill, and determination on the vibrant sands of Morehead. Don’t miss out on any of the action; tune in live to witness the climactic finish of a season filled with hard-fought battles and memorable moments!
For more updates and live stats, stay connected through Eastern Illinois University Beach Volleyball.
