The Eastern volleyball team will look to build on its success from last weekend as it will head to the Windy City Invitational with the first match set to begin Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against UIC.  

Last weekend, the Panthers got second in the Butler Top Dawg Tournament after going 2-1 with their lone loss coming against Butler. 

Junior outside hitters Giovanna Lopez and Ella Collins were named to the All-Tournament Team after Lopez combined for 47 kills and 43 digs while Collins had 38 kills. Lopez’s performance also earned her Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week. 

Defensively, Christina Martinez Mundo led the Panthers last weekend with 60 digs. Mundo ranks third in the OVC for digs, averaging five per set.  

The Panthers will take on the Flames to open tournament play. Last weekend, the Flames went 2-1 at the Huskie Invitational. Two Flames were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances. 

 Junior Martina Delucchi was named after recording 50 kills, which is third in the Missouri Valley Conference. Junior Becca Oldendorf was named after finishing the tournament with a .440. hitting percentage, which is the best in the MVC currently.  

The Panthers will then take on Chicago State on Friday at 6 p.m. Last weekend, the Cougars went 1-2 at the Indiana Invitational. Redshirt sophomore libero Andrea Calderon leads the team with 35 digs while redshirt junior outside hitter Yanlis Feliz leads the team with 55 kills. 

To wrap up tournament play on Saturday, the Panthers will play against Pacific at 12 p.m. The Tigers competed in the Wildcat Classic last weekend, going 1-2.  

Junior Alexa Edwards earned All-Tournament Team honors after recording 52 kills. Sophomore Jenna Heller recorded a team-high 115 assists during the tournament.  

The Panthers’ home opener will be Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. against Western Illinois.  

Autumn Schulz can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]