State Farm Illini Classic Match Notes
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Aug. 24, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State volleyball team will open its 2006 season Friday at 7 p.m. against Illinois in the first of three matches at this weekend's State Farm Illini Classic in Champaign.
The Redbirds and Fighting Illini will be opening their respective seasons against each other for the fourth consecutive year. Illinois State leads the all-time series, 30-26, but Illinois has claimed the last five meetings, dating back to the 1997 campaign.
Redbird head volleyball coach Sharon Dingman is proud to be a part of the Illinois State-Illinois rivalry, which has become an annual staple for both programs.
"We are looking forward to opening our season, especially at Illinois," said Dingman. "It has become a big match for both of our programs over the years. We have developed a great rivalry, and our staff and players have great respect for their program. It's great exposure for both of our programs and universities, and is great for the game of volleyball in central Illinois."
On Saturday, the Redbirds' slate includes matches against UW-Milwaukee (11 a.m.) and Winthrop (5 p.m.). Illinois State and UW-Milwaukee have collided four times in the all-time series, which is tied, 2-2. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers the last time they met, at the 2003 Milwaukee Panther Invitational.
Saturday night's match up will mark the first all-time meeting between Illinois State and Winthrop. The Eagles went undefeated in the Big South Conference last season, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Dingman is excited about her team kicking off the season against such a competitive field.
"This is a quality tournament," Dingman said. "UWM is the perennial winner of the Horizon League, and Winthrop has won their conference the past four years as well. This will be the first exposure for our freshmen playing college volleyball, and what a way to start - against three teams that will challenge us in every aspect of the game."
