Aug. 25, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
For the third straight year, the Illinois State volleyball team opens the season against intrastate rival Illinois. The Redbirds are not only hoping for a different start (Illinois has won the last two season openers), but also a different finish to the 2005 season than the last two, when the Redbirds had good records against good schedules - but not good enough for an NCAA Tournament bid.
The Illini were 19-11 last year and an NCAA Tournament selection after starting the season ranked No. 19 and beating the Redbirds 30-21, 30-19, 30-20 in the season opener. Illinois' Rachel VanMeter, who needs just 10 kills Friday to reach 1,000 in her career, had 20 in three games against ISU last season. Redbird senior outside hitter Laura Doornbos - who already has 1,000 career kills -- remembers that match.
"It was one of those games where it seemed like nothing went right," said Doornbos. "We didn't play well. We knew we were better than that."
And, after that match, the Redbirds were better, winning 12 of their next 13 matches and finishing with a 22-9 mark, 13-5 in the Valley. It wasn't enough to impress the NCAA Tournament committee, though. This year, the `Birds are determined to do more.
"The goal is an NCAA Tournament bid," said senior middle blocker Emily Kabbes. "This team is focused."
Playing a Big Ten opponent that is receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Assn./USA Today Top 25 is exactly what Redbird coach Sharon Dingman wants.
"I love this as an opening match," said Dingman. "Illinois is a team that will expose your weaknesses. Playing Illinois will help us see where we are good and where we need to improve."
Ten of the 15 Redbird players and eight of the 12 Illini are from Illinois, including Redbird freshman Jessica Pratapas and Illini junior Katy Pratapas, who are sisters. Many of the players from both teams knew each other from high school or club volleyball before college. All that helps build emotion for the match.
"I think there is a lot of emotion in this match, with players knowing each other from high school and club ball," said Dingman. "I think controlling and focusing that emotion will be a key for us."
Including Doornbos and Kabbes, this Redbird team includes five returning starters: junior outside hitter Savannah Knowles, sophomore middle blocker Kari Staehlin and senior Ashley Grubb, who was the starter on the right side last year, but moves into the libero spot left open when Paige White concluded her eligibility. Junior Lindley McDavid moves into Grubb's old spot, while freshman Erin Lindsey takes over for Kelly Rikli at setter.
The Redbirds stay at home next week, entertaining Kent State, Western Illinois and Western Kentucky while trying to retain the Barker GMC Classic championship. ISU plays Kent State at 7 p.m. Friday, Western Illinois at noon on Saturday and Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Parking Note: Starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday, the Turner Hall parking lot east of Redbird Arena will be reserved exclusively for volleyball patrons with advance-purchase tickets.
