Oct. 30, 2008
Match Notes 
NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois State volleyball team continues with the second half of Missouri Valley Conference competition and will look to salvage a season-split with both Missouri State (Oct. 31) and No. 10 Wichita State (Nov. 1) at Redbird Arena this weekend. The Redbirds will try to avenge being swept in road contests with the Bears and Shockers and enter the weekend having won two of their last three matches.
The Illinois State Athletics Department will help Redbird fans "trick or treat" by holding a costume contest during Friday's 7:05 p.m. match-up with Missouri State, and provide the first 1,500 people in attendance with a complimentary candy bag. The Redbirds will "Pack the Arena" Saturday at 7:05 p.m. against the Shockers, with free admission to anyone who presents a "Pack the Arena" coupon, which can be obtained at area businesses and Redbird athletic events this weekend. Hailey Kelley will be signing autographs at the conclusion of Friday's match and Mallory Leggett will sign after Saturday's contest.
Illinois State (12-11, 5-6 MVC) swept Bradley to begin the second-half of conference play and dropped a five-set thriller at Northern Iowa Saturday, and is looking for the same effort against two of the top teams in the Valley. Missouri State (16-8, 7-4 MVC) is fourth in Valley standings after splitting its first two matches of the second half last weekend. Wichita State (22-0, 11-0 MVC) remains undefeated and at the top of the conference after a four-match home stand and weekend sweep of Creighton and Drake.
"The MVC schedule doesn't let up as we face a solid and efficient Missouri State team, and a nationally-ranked and undefeated Wichita State this weekend," Illinois State head coach Melissa Myers said. "We've made strides in the past couple of weeks as a team and we are looking forward to another weekend of great competition at home. The players understand the need to build on the progress we made last week and continue to work hard both defensively and offensively."
Kasey Mollerus leads the Redbirds on defense with 3.87 digs per set and was one of five Illinois State players to top 20 digs as she notched a season-high 28 in the loss at Northern Iowa Saturday. Offensively, Peggy Riessen (3.90 kills per set) and Leggett (3.42 kills per set) continue to set the tone.
Sara Staubach, Addie Foley and Cara Hackman all average over 2.5 kills per set for Missouri State and reached double-figures in kills during the Bears' sweep of the Redbirds in Springfield (Oct. 4). Missouri State is hitting .226 and holding opponents to a .182 average.
Then No. 14-Wichita State swept the Redbirds at Charles Koch Arena (Oct. 3) despite being pushed 25-20 in the opening set and going to extra points in a 29-27 second set win. The Shockers have held opponents to a .090 hitting percentage this season and achieved the highest ranking in school history when last week's poll was announced.
