ISU Volleyball Begins Valley Play against Missouri State, Southern Illinois

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team will begin the Missouri Valley Conference portion of its 2017 schedule as the Redbirds host Valley foes Missouri State and Southern Illinois this weekend at Redbird Arena.

Illinois State (7-6) will take on Missouri State (8-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. The Redbirds will then face Southern Illinois (1-10) on Saturday, also at 7 p.m. Tickets for both matches are available from the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office and both matches will be broadcast live as part of The Valley on ESPN3.

"We are excited to open conference play at home in Redbird Arena," said Illinois State head coach Leah Johnson. "We are focused on our weekly goals and trust – just like our preseason trends show – that we are on the rise and will continue to work to maintain that progress. 

"It will be a great weekend of high-level volleyball and we hope to see a strong turnout from the students and community."

Illinois State returns to action after wrapping up the nonconference portion of its schedule last weekend at the Wildcat Classic, posting a perfect 3-0 record to win the tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Illinois State won all three of its matches in straight sets, while Lexi Wallen, Stef Jankiewicz and Courtney Pence earned all-tournament team honors. Wallen was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

In addition to Friday's match with Missouri State representing Illinois State's first MVC match of the 2017 season, it will also serve as the first for Johnson coaching against her alma mater. Johnson starred at Missouri State (then Southwest Missouri State) from 2000-03 and later served as an assistant coach for the Bears (2008-09).
 

This weekend's opponents are the last two Valley teams the Redbirds faced in 2016. Illinois State swept Southern Illinois in an MVC Tournament quarterfinal match in Cedar Falls, Iowa, last year, a day before falling to Missouri State in a five-set tournament semifinal loss.

Missouri State owns a 51-47 edge in the all-time series with Illinois State. The Redbirds are 72-12 all-time against the Salukis.

The first 150 students in attendance for Friday's match will receive a free "Serves Up" T-Shirt. Fans are encouraged to wear their best beach attire.

Fans can purchase tickets for this weekend's matches online at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, by calling (309) 438-8000, or by visiting the ticket office, located at the north entrance to Redbird Arena.

GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.