April 3, 2007
CHICAGO - Illinois State's volleyball team showed few signs of rust in its first competitive setting in more than four months, compiling an impressive 8-2 record at the Palos Courts College Tournament in Chicago last weekend. The Redbirds played a total of 10 games to 30 points against Iowa, Missouri Valley Conference rival Northern Iowa, Xavier, Pittsburgh and Valparaiso.
"I was really proud of how we competed in our first match action of the spring season," said head coach Sharon Dingman. "Peggy Riessen was especially impressive in our front row; Erin Lindsey steadily ran our offense and even got some experience passing the ball; Kasey Mollerus was solid defensively, and Jessica Pratapas was able to get some valuable playing experience both as a setter and on the outside.
"We served the ball incredibly well, which led to one of the best blocking performances I have seen this team have. It was a very encouraging day, and it was great for the players to get some competitive game experience. We're looking forward to the rest of the spring."
In the first match of the tournament, Illinois State split a 1-1 decision (30-28, 28-30) with Pitt. Junior middle blocker Kari Staehlin led the Redbird attack with seven kills, while M.C. Richmond and Riessen each chipped in with six kills.
In the ensuing sweep over Xavier (30-25, 30-25), Richmond led ISU with 11 kills on a .308 hitting percentage, and Riessen had six kills on a .222 hitting mark.
Riessen led the Redbirds with five kills on just 12 swings (.333 hitting percentage) in the next match, a two-game (30-28, 30-14) victory over Iowa. Richmond also had 11 kills in the match, while Staehlin contributed with three service aces and a .500 hitting percentage.
ISU avenged its two 2006 regular season losses to Valley rival Northern Iowa with a 30-28, 30-24 win over the Panthers in the fourth match of the day. Richmond had 12 kills to go along with a .280 attack percentage, Riessen had 11 kills and hit .375, and Pratapas had five aces from behind the service line.
ISU wrapped up the tournament with a split (30-24, 26-30) against Valparaiso in a rematch of last October's five-game thriller at the Athletics-Recreation Center. Richmond had eight kills for a .304 hitting percentage, and Riessen chipped in with six kills.
Illinois State will host the annual Meisner Tournament this Saturday at Redbird Arena. The first of the Redbirds' four matches is set for 10 a.m.
