The Panthers are on a three-match win streak, bringing their record to 7-15 overall and 4-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Sophomore Reynae Hutchinson led the Panthers with 18 kills and added 12 digs to earn her third consecutive double-double of the season and her 11th of her career.

Junior Emily Franklin and senior Alison Berens recorded 16 and 12 kills, respectively.

Towards the end of the first set against Illinois-Chicago Monday, Franklin and Berens had a scary moment as both players went for a ball and ended up butting heads, forcing Franklin to sit out the next set and change uniform numbers prior to her return in the third and fourth frames.

Leading the Panthers in back to back set wins, Franklin returned to the floor as she grabbed her third career double-double with the addition of 11 digs.

This Homecoming weekend the Panthers play Tennessee State and Austin Peay, two teams they have faced earlier this season.

The Panthers were swept by Tennessee State at home and head coach Kate Price said it is because of one simple reason.

“They played better,” Price said. “It is as simple as that, we went there and we just could not connect on anything.”

The Panthers are looking to even up the season series with Tennessee State.

Austin Peay, however, the Panthers have beaten three games to one.

“Both us and Austin Peay are going to be better teams this weekend,” Price said. “We are not looking for an easy victory, we know better than that.”

The Panthers look to keep their win streak alive at home with the fans behind them. Travel wears the team down and it is always good to play at home and get a victory, said Price.

The Panthers battle to take the streak to five with two key home match-ups, hosting Tennessee State and Austin Peay on Friday and Saturday evenings, with first serves set for 7 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.

Lenny Arquilla can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]