Post-Match Interview with Melissa Myers
OREM, Utah - In the 2011 season-opener, Illinois State was defeated by Utah Valley University at the Wolverine Invitational. The Redbirds (0-1) were led offensively by sophomore Shannon McGlaughlin with 19 kills, but lost the match in five sets (35-33, 15-25, 25-16, 17-25, 7-15).
Sophomore LeighAnn Hranka posted 12 kills and 11 digs and senior Tabitha Visk added ten kills. Senior Kristin Stauter recorded 49 set-assists and three kills.
"We have some size and power, but Utah Valley's strengths really beat us tonight," head coach Melissa Myers said. "They served well, didn't make a lot of unforced errors and played great defense, especially in the fifth set."
The match came down to the amount of aces and errors committed by each team. Illinois State out hit the Wolverines by ten kills, but the Redbirds didn't help themselves after committing 14 service errors and 13 reception errors on the night.
"We have a lot of players that haven't been tested yet," Myers said. "For us to be stronger down the road I think we need our players to gain more experience in game situations. To be tested like this on the road the first weekend is only going to help us."
Illinois State is scheduled to close tournament play against Northern Arizona at 11:00 a.m. (CST) and Cal State Bakersfield at 5:30 p.m. (CST).
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