The Eastern volleyball team had only one goal since Sept. 6. That was winning a volleyball match.

On Saturday afternoon at Lantz Arena, that goal was accomplished, as the Panthers beat the Tennessee State in a five-set thriller (32-34, 25-16, 18-25, 25-16, 18-16).

“We all had the same goal today by focusing on high energy and the things we needed to get the win,” Eastern sophomore outside hitter Alex Zwettler said.

With the win, Eastern (4-14, 1-7 Ohio Valley Conference) ended its 11-match losing streak – the third longest in program history. It was also the first time Eastern won a set since its 3-0 victory against Chicago State on Sept. 6.

Eastern was able to push the Lady Tigers (4-11, 3-4 OVC) into a decisive fifth set after winning the fourth set 25-16. Tennessee State then sprinted to a 12-8 advantage in which only 15 points are needed for the victory.

Eastern then outscored the Lady Tigers 8-4 to tie the fifth set at 16. Zwettler had a kill and Tennessee State freshman libero Terakka Walker committed a lifting error to seal the Panthers’ win at 18-16.

Eastern head coach Lori Bennett said her team’s composure in the fifth set was the difference in the victory.

“We just haven’t had it,” Bennett said. “When we face adversity from the other team, we haven’t pushed back until (Saturday).”

The first set started quickly for the Panthers against Tennessee State as they took a 24-18 advantage. The Lady Tigers made a comeback to 24-21, and then Eastern began to commit errors.

Seven of the Panthers’ nine set errors occurred after the score was 24-21 with one on a set point. A hitting violation sealed the Tigers’ set victory at 34-32.

Tennessee State head coach Kathy Roulhac said she was pleased with her team’s comeback in the first set but was disappointed in the final outcome.

“They had more passion,” Roulhac said. “They wanted it more. They needed it more than us.”

The second set was much like the first, but this time with a different ending.

The Panthers jumped to an 18-10 lead. Then senior middle hitter Lauren Sopcic had two consecutive kills and a block to give Eastern a 23-16 lead.

“It was intensity – getting the job done,” Sopcic said of her three points.

Sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Orr then had a powerful kill to wrap up the set 25-16. This snapped Eastern’s consecutive set losing streak at 34, which was a program record.

Zwettler and Orr had double-doubles, as Zwettler tallied 23 kills and 21 digs. Orr had 28 digs and 17 kills. Freshman setter Hannah Deterding had a match-high 55 assists.

In Friday’s match against conference rival Austin Peay (14-6, 6-2 OVC), the Panthers fell in straight sets (25-18, 25-17, 25-19). Eastern led 10-9 in the second and third sets, but the Lady Governors pulled away for the win.

Orr notched seven kills, leading all Panthers. Austin Peay junior outside hitter Stephanie Champine and sophomore middle blocker Jessica Mollman each collected 11 kills.

The Lady Governors had an edge in hitting percentage (.257 to .144), passing (44-30 assists) and digs (55-38). Eastern out-blocked Austin Peay six to three.

The Panthers return to action with a 7 p.m. match on Friday at Tennessee Martin.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at [email protected].