Sept. 14, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -- The Illinois State volleyball team returns home to Redbird Arena this weekend to open its Missouri Valley Conference slate against two of the league's preseason favorites in Wichita State and Missouri State.
The `Birds, who are coming off a weekend split at the Campus USA Credit Union Classic against Florida A&M and No. 6 Florida, will begin Valley action for the second-straight season versus the Shockers and the Bears.
Beginning the conference season with the preseason favorites is a tough challenge, but one Redbird volleyball coach Sharon Dingman believes her team is ready to face.
"This weekend is a tough way to start (conference play), but you have to play all the teams at some point," Dingman said. "I think this is a great weekend for us coming off playing the Gators. That match could not have prepared us any better for what we are going to face this weekend in Wichita State and Missouri State.
"Wichita State has won the regular-season conference championship the last two years and Missouri State won the Missouri Valley Tournament last year. They are both really good programs. I'm very excited to start the conference season this way, and getting to play them (WSU and MSU) at home will really be great."
Dingman has high hopes as Valley action begins after witnessing the `Birds' freshmen step up on the road over the past two weekends.
"Every match, one of our freshmen has stepped up," Dingman said. "This weekend will be a huge test for them with these being their first Missouri Valley Conference matches. Our freshmen play an important role for us and this will be a great opportunity to get them better and more mature."
One freshman that has come on very strong has been libero Kasey Mollerus. The St. Charles, Mo., native was named to the all-tournament team in Florida after averaging 5.75 digs-per-game. Mollerus enters the game against WSU with two-straight games of 30 or more digs and will be looking to tie Christine Rehor, who set the freshman record with three 30-dig matches in 1985.
"It has really been exciting to see Kasey Mollerus' consistency," stated Dingman. "As a freshman, she has been phenomenal. She is going to be really exciting to watch this season and over the next three years."
The Redbirds will look to pick up their first MVC victory, and their fifth of the season, against the Shockers on Saturday at 2 p.m. Wichita State (8-2) was picked to finish third in the preseason Valley coaches poll after losing five all-conference selections from a team that went a perfect 18-0 in the conference last season.
Sunday's tilt with Missouri State is set to begin at 4 p.m. The Bears were picked second in the preseason MVC poll and are 7-2 on the season. MSU has been one of the best defensive teams in the Valley this season, as they rank first in hitting percentage, as well as total blocks (100) and blocks-per-game (3.45).
