Terre Haute, Indiana- Eastern Illinois defeated Butler three sets to one Saturday afternoon. The Dawgs now sit at 4-5 on the season. Butler will be back in action later tonight as they will take on Indiana State at 7pm ET. 

Bulldog Bites

• Sarah Kempf achieved her career high in assists during today's match with 33.
• Alaleh Tolliver led Butler in kills with 22.
• Elise Ward tallied 9 kills and 15 digs throughout the match
• Lauren Evans led the Dawgs in digs with 17. 

Set 1 Eastern Illinois (25-21)
The first second belonged to Eastern Illinois. The Panthers pounced early in the set, building themselves a 15-7 lead. Later in the set, two kills from Alaleh Tolliver and a kill from Sawyer Jones allowed Butler to go on a mini run and trail 18-22. Eastern was able to hold their 4 point lead throughout the remainder of the set. The Panthers took set 1 25-21. 

Set 2 Butler (25-22)
Three straight service aces from Elise Ward helped Butler build an early 13-9 set 2 lead. With the teams tied at 18, Zoe McDonald found a kill and then a block assist from Carly Slusser and Elise Ward allowed the Dawgs to lead 20-18. Butler held a 22-20 lead before Eastern won two straight points tying up the set at 22. Butler closed the set with 3 straight kills. Alaleh Tolliver, Sawyer Jones, and Zoe McDonald each delivered a kill giving Butler a 25-22 set 2 win.  

Set 3 Eastern Illinois (25-21)
Butler and Eastern Illinois traded blows in the early going of set 3. A kill from Carly Slusser and then a block assist from Slusser and Elise Ward gave Butler a 10-8 lead. Later in the set, Alaleh Tolliver delivered back to back kills for the Dawgs giving the team a 21-20 lead. The Panthers won the next 5 points and took set 3. 

Set 4 Eastern Illinois (25-20)
Eastern Illinois was able to win the 4th set and clinch the match. Early on, the Panthers jumped out to a 9-5 lead. During the middle portion of the set, Elise Ward and Sawyer Jones each found kills giving Butler a 15-13 lead. The rest of the set belonged to Eastern Illinois. Ward and Zoe McDonald were able to fight off one set point with a block assist, making the margin five in set 4. 

Up Next 
Butler is right back in action later tonight. They will take on Indiana State at 7pm ET.