In a match one would have to see to believe, Illinois-Chicago overcame a two-game deficit to defeat Eastern in five thrilling games.

The Panthers started the match by putting the heat on the Flames as they won the first two matches 30-24 and 34-32, but in the end Eastern was the team feeling burnt as Illinois-Chicago won the last three games 30-26, 30-26 and 24-22 to snap a six-match losing streak spanning over two weeks.

“That was a heck of a way to end our losing streak,” Flames head coach Don August said. “We’re fortunate and very pleased, we’ll take it.”

The evening started out well for the Panthers as they cruised to an early lead in game one and never looked back in route to their 30-24 win.

In game two, the Flames came back from an early deficit to tie the Panthers at 11. The teams were never more than two points apart from each other and the a block by Panther outside hitter Kara Sorenson and middle hitter Shanna Ruxer closed out the game.

It appeared Eastern was on the verge of their first sweep in a month and a half but the Flames had other ideas. Illinois-Chicago, trailing 19-16, reeled off 12 of the next 16 points to open up a comfortable lead and won game three 30-26.

The Panthers started game four on a roll cruising to a 10-6 lead, but the Flames took five of the next six points to even the match at 11. The Panthers had a two point lead as late as 21-19 but the Flames wouldn’t quit and took game four 30-26.

The Flames than won game in 24-22 as both teams overcame numerous match points before the Flames won the match on an attack error by Leanne Kreps.

“This was a match that could have gone either way,” Panthers head coach Brenda Winkeler said. “I’m just glad that we played aggressive. UIC’s record (8-14 with the win) doesn’t indicate how good a team they are.”

The Flames received a solid team effort with outside hitter Teaha Shepperd leading the Flames in kills with 29. Middle hitter Kristi Herrington was right behind her with 23 kills and the senior led the Flames with a hitting percentage of .410. The Flames recorded 106 digs and four service aces on the night.

“It was definitely a team effort for us tonight,” August said. “We traveled with 15 or 16 players and they all seemed to have an effect on the game.”

August also praised his team for never giving up after being down and out after two matches.

“I went into the locker after game two and told the team we need to win three games in order to get out of here with a victory,” August said. “I just didn’t know it was going to be three and a half games.”

With the loss, the Panthers dropped to 6-15 and have now lost four straight matches. Eastern will be back in action this weekend for a pair of Ohio Valley Conference matches against Samford and Jacksonville State.