Sept. 25, 2011
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Post-Match Interview with Melissa Myers
NORMAL, Ill. -
The Illinois State volleyball team (9-7, 1-3) captured its first win of Valley play against Bradley Sunday. The Redbirds defeated Bradley in four sets (23-25, 25-19, 28-26, 25-17). ISU was led by sophomore LeighAnn Hranka with 13 kills.
The Braves took an early five-point lead (9-4) to capture the first set 25-23. Illinois State struggled offensively producing a .036 hitting percentage. Bradley recorded three more kills (13) than the Redbirds, including two kills for a perfect attack percentage (1.000) from freshman setter, Madison Kamp. The set boiled down to which team committed less errors, as both teams combined for 16 attack and eight service errors.
Senior Tabitha Visk sparked the Redbirds with three consecutive aces and two kills to aid the team in a second set win (25-19). Visk served nine consecutive points giving the Redbirds a 16-9 lead, forcing the Braves to use both of their timeouts. Illinois State continued to spread its lead with two late kills from Hranka and Bradley concluded the set with three attack errors.
The Redbirds jumped to an early three-point lead in the third set, but a service ace from senior Genevieve Dejean and three ISU errors tied the set 6-6. Illinois State regained its lead (10-7) with a service ace from senior Kristin Stauter and kill from sophomore Shannon McGlaughlin. Impressive defense from senior Rachelle Dejean and four Bradley service aces helped BU tie the set 19-19. Both teams battled offensively, forcing the set into extra points. Two consecutive kills from sophomore Angela Rego and freshman Emily Schneider ended the set with a 28-26 Redbird victory.
Illinois State took control in the fourth set with a team hitting percentage of .250 compared to Bradley's .067. The Redbirds outhit Bradley by three kills and notched four service aces. Hranka recorded four kills and no errors for a .444 hitting percentage. ISU recorded 19 total points compared to Bradley's 12 total points.
The Redbirds take the court again Friday, Sept. 30 at Creighton and Saturday, Oct. 1 at Drake.
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