Nov. 5, 2011
Box Score
Post-Match Interview with Melissa Myers
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Illinois State volleyball team (17-10, 9-6 MVC) swept Evansville (13-16, 3-11 MVC) tonight 25-21, 25-20, 25-21. This was the first time the Redbirds have swept the series in the past two seasons after splitting in the 2009 and 2010 match-ups. Jenny Menendez led the team's defensive efforts and recorded a new personal-best 24 digs in a three-set match.
"I really liked our resilience and our defense," head coach Melissa Myers said. "We've been looking to diversify our offense and I am really proud that we were able to do that tonight."
The Redbirds displayed offensive dominance with a team .283 hitting percentage and four ISU plays had three or more kills in the first set. Shannon McGlaughlin and Emily Schneider combined for six kills and no errors with hitting percentages of .444 and .667, respectively. Illinois State posted four more kills in the first set and held the Purple Aces to a .120 team hitting percentage.
Illinois State started strong in the second set with a 5-1 lead. The Redbirds continued to spread the lead (12-9) with the help of 10 Evansville attack errors. The Purple Aces didn't give up hope and tied the set 19-19 after ISU committed two unforced errors. Illinois State used its block strength and answered back with three consecutive blocks to finish the set 25-20.
Evansville came out fighting after the break and posted two blocks and a service ace in the first three points. The Purple Aces carried the momentum marked their biggest lead of five points through the middle of the set 9-4. The Redbirds were able to regain an offensive rhythm with the help of two back-court kills from LeighAnn Hranka and tied the set 16-16. Both teams exchanged points for the next 10 rallies. ISU broke away after Visk smashed two overpass kills off of Hranka's serve. Illinois State closed the match with a tool-kill from McGlaughlin for a three-set victory.
Menendez's performance moved her up two spots into eighth place on the Illinois State season-career dig list with 480 digs. The junior libero only needs three digs to move into seventh place and 106 digs to take possession of first place.
Illinois State will take the court next in a road match-up against Indiana State, Saturday, Nov. 12.
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