TOLEDO, Ohio. — Eastern Washington moves to 2-5 on the season after splitting day one of the Rocket Invitational. The Eagles defeated Marshall in four sets (25-16, 23-25, 25-18, 25-12) and fell to host Toledo in four (15-25, 18-25, 25-19, 21-25).
 
EWU vs. Marshall
 
The Eagles delivered a strong performance, led offensively by Bri Gunderson and Kalista Lukovich for the second consecutive match. Gunderson showcased her prowess with 20 kills and a .425 hitting percentage, while Luckovich added 15 kills and 13 digs. Defensively, Tanai Jenkins contributed with five blocks, and Makenna Collins recorded 18 digs.
 
The match unfolded with a high level of intensity. Eastern took control early in the first set, establishing a 4-1 lead. Although Marshall fought back to tie the set at 6-6, the Eagles responded with a 4-0 run, eventually securing the set 25-16.
 
In the second set, the lead oscillated between teams. Eastern initially led 7-4 before Marshall rallied to take a 14-11 advantage. Despite a late surge from the Eagles, closing the gap to 24-23, Marshall clinched the set 25-23 with a crucial back row kill.
 
The Eagles dominated the third set with a strong start, going on a 5-0 run and forcing Marshall to use its first timeout at 8-4. Despite Marshall's attempts to close the gap and briefly taking a 12-11 lead, Eastern regained control. They expanded their lead to 15-12 and maintained their momentum, eventually winning the set 25-18 behind key blocks and the serving of Morgan Blazzard.
 
In the fourth set, Marshall initially led 3-0, but Eastern responded with a decisive 7-0 run. The Eagles extended their lead to ten points and maintained their advantage throughout, winning the set 25-12 and securing the match 3-1.
 
The Eagles' balanced attack and solid defense led to a well-earned victory, showcasing their resilience and teamwork throughout the match.
 
EWU vs. Toledo
 
Lukovich and Gunderson lead Eastern offensively, Lukovich recorded 12 kills, while Gunderson recorded 10 kills. Jannie Blake recorded 23 assists and 15 digs, claiming her second double-double of the season.
 
The Rockets and the Eagles went back and forth, with Toledo initially setting the pace but Eastern making a strong comeback in the third set. The match showcased a lot of competitive spirit and some impressive individual performances.
 
In the first set, Toledo established an early lead, and despite Eastern's efforts to keep the game close, the Rockets pulled away to win 25-15. Toledo continued their strong performance in the second set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead and maintaining control, eventually taking the set 25-18.
 
Eastern came alive in the third set, with Sadie Bacon and Lukovich leading the charge to build a 6-1 lead. Despite Toledo's attempt to close the gap, Eastern managed to finish strong with a 25-19 victory, pushing the match to a fourth set.
 
The fourth set was a battle of resilience. Toledo and Eastern fought hard, with Toledo ultimately gaining a slight edge and taking a 21-19 lead. Despite the Eagles best efforts to rally, Toledo held on to win the set 25-21 and the match 3-1.
 
Overall, it was a well-fought match with Toledo's early dominance countered by Eastern's determined comeback. Ultimately, Toledo's consistency and ability to close out the match secured their win.
 
Up Next
Eastern will faceoff against Northern Kentucky in their last match of tournament on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 a.m. PT.
 
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.

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