Nov. 17, 2006
Box Score
WICHITA, Kan. - M.C. Richmond had a career-high 23 kills to lead a trio of Redbirds in double figures, as Illinois State used a record-setting performance to defeat host Wichita State in four-games (31-29, 27-30, 33-31, 30-25) at Charles Koch Arena Friday night. The loss was just the third in Missouri Valley Conference play for the Shockers and the first win for the Redbirds at Koch Arena since the 2001 season.
With the win, the Redbirds improve to 16-12 on the season with a 10-7 Valley slate. Wichita State drops to 24-6 and 14-3. Illinois State collected 130 digs in the match, the fourth-best effort in program history. Kasey Mollerus had a season-high 33 digs, becoming just the second freshmen in ISU history to record three or more 30-plus dig outings in a single-season.
Kari Staehlin and Lindley McDavid combined for 31 kills in the match, and Erin Lindsey had 60 set assists, her third 60-assist outing of the season.
Wichita State was led by Sara Lungren's 18 kills. Kelly Broussard led Wichita State's defensive effort with 33 digs.
ISU head coach Sharon Dingman summed up tonight's match as one of the biggest wins in program history.
"This is our biggest win since our first year here (2000) when we beat Northern Iowa at Redbird Arena," said Dingman. "This was huge, because we were able to win at Wichita, which is a tough place to play. They had a great crowd tonight, and it was nice to hear a quiet crowd when we started making that run.
"One of our goals was to out dig them (Wichita State). It wasn't about the number of digs, but the number of opportunities. We knew we were going to have to score points. When we have the opportunity to keep a point alive, we are going to find a way to get the kill. I thought we did that tonight."
The Redbirds used a 5-1 run mid-way through game one to post a 30-28, come-from-behind victory. llinois State claimed the early advantage, jumping out to an 8-3 lead. McDavid, Richmond and Jessie Janik each had kills to pace the early run. But the Shockers tied the match just 14 points later (13-13), and took their first lead two points later after an ISU hitting error. But Wichita State never extended their lead past four points, allowing the `Birds to stay in striking distance. Illinois State tied the game at 24-24 after back-to-back kills by Richmond, and took the lead one point later after a McDavid service ace. The Shockers regained the lead just two points later, and forced their first game point at 29-27, but the Redbirds fought off the threat, finishing the game on a 4-0 run to claim the come-from-behind win. Staehlin had two of the last three points, including the game-clinching kill.
Wichita State tied the match at 1-1 after recording a hard-fought, 30-27 win in game two. The `Birds collected another quick start, jumping out to a 4-1 lead after a solo block by Seyller and back-to-back Richmond kills. But Wichita State took an 8-7 lead ten points later, and held it for the ensuing 19 possessions. They led by as many as seven points (16-9) in the stretch. But the Redbirds tied the match at 17-17 after Richmond's ninth kill. They cut the lead to one point two more times, but Wichita State finished the frame on a 4-2 spurt, and clinched the win after ISU's 25th hitting error.
Illinois State took the next punch, claiming a 33-31, overtime win in game three. Both teams traded points for the first 20 possessions before the Redbirds took a three-point lead (12-9) after consecutive kills by McDavid. The Redbirds held the lead for the ensuing 15 points before Angela Jakubov and Katie Niggemeyer combined on a block to tie the game at 18-18. That play spearhead a 7-0 Shocker run, as they took a commanding 22-18 lead. But Illinois State responded with a 4-1 spurt to tie the match at 23-23 capped off by an assisted block by Staehlin and Peggy Riessen. After jumping up by three (27-24), ISU saw its lead disappear, as a combined five ties and lead changes in the next 10 possessions forced an overtime situation. The Redbirds capped off the 33-31 with a kill by Erin Lindsey.
With both teams clearly fatigued, the Redbirds put the finishing touches on the upset with a 30-24 victory in game four. Once again, both teams traded points in their respective offensive possessions in the first 25 points of the frame. The Shockers took appeared to steal the momentum after claiming a 16-13 lead on a kill by Eckenrode. But the `Birds tied the stanza at 17-17 after back-to-back Wichita State hitting errors. Illinois State led by as many as three points in the ensuing 15 points before forcing game point at 29-24 after another Shocker hitting error. M.C. Richmond sealed the win with her 23rd kill.
"I know what we are capable of as a team. This second half, we just haven't been able to get over the hump. We've just got to keep riding this thing out. It doesn't get any easier. Tomorrow is going to be another tough match against the (Missouri State) Bears."
The Redbirds will wrap up the Valley regular season slate tomorrow at Missouri State. Tip-off from the Hammonds Student Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.
