CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois was unable to push past the Irish, falling in three sets. The Panthers fall to 1-10 on the year, while Notre Dame improves to 3-6 this season.  

Notre Dame quickly set the tone, controlling the set with a 15-5 advantage heading into the media timeout. The Irish quickly delivered the first knockout punch, winning 25-13. Notre Dame's defense was relentless, holding EIU to a 0.026 hitting percentage while collecting six blocks in the set. 

EIU started the second set slowly, trailing 19-10. However, the Panthers showed life, scoring four of the five points to cut the deficit to six (20-14). Katie Kopshever fueled the run, earning back-to-back kills. Kopshever finished the match with 10 kills. With their backs against the walls, Eastern Illinois fought back, scoring four straight points to trail by just two points. However, the Irish avoided trouble after an Ariadna Pereles service error to close set two.  

Set three was a thriller, beginning with both teams going point-for-point. Then, EIU found their footing, striking a 6-0 run to jump out to an early 12-6 lead. Following a couple of substitutions, Notre Dame responded, but Eastern Illinois remained in control with a narrow 15-14 lead entering the break. The tug-of-war continued, knotted at 22 apiece. Then, chaos ensued; Abana Teran smashed a kill on the left side to hold a 26-24 advantage. EIU was unable to climb over the hump as each team traded points. Notre Dame was able to deliver the final swing, earning a 30-28 set three victory.   

Abana Teran led the way offensively for the Panthers with a match-best 12 kills. Alanys Nieves directed the EIU offense with a team-best 14 assists. Defensively, Arianda Pereles reached double figures with 11 digs.  

For the Irish, Mae Kordas led the way with 10 kills, directed by Lily Fenton with a team-best 17 assists.