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Final Box
Aug. 31, 2012
NORMAL, Ill. -The Redbirds (2-2) captured their first win of the Country Financial Redbird Classic 25-22, 25-19, 26-24 against Presbyterian (1-4) Friday night at Redbird Arena. ISU looked to regain momentum after coming out 1-2 at Ball State Active Ankle Challenge. LeighAnn Hranka led the team with 10 kills and four blocks.
Kaitlyn Early led the Redbirds with 30 assist, while Jenny Menendez tied a season-high 19 digs. Shannon McGlaughlin added eight kills for ISU. Illinois State compiled 11 team blocks compared to Presbyterian's eight.
The Redbirds opened the set 7-2 with back-to-back blocks by Hranka and freshman Ashley Rosch, forcing an early Presbyterian timeout. ISU used its momentum to take a 17-11 lead, forcing Presbyterian to take their second timeout early in the first set. The Blue Hose fought back to tie the match, 22-22, forcing Illinois State to take its first time-out. The Redbirds regained composure late in the set for a 25-22 victory.
The Redbirds came out firing at the opening of the second set with a 4-0 lead. Presbyterian regrouped and closed the gap, making the set 12-10 and forced an ISU timeout. The Blue Hose continued with their momentum, making the match even at 14 apiece. ISU remained poised and went on a 4-0 run to end the set and went into the break, leading 2-0.
After the intermission, the Redbirds started the third set with a 3-0 lead. The Blue Hose looked to gain momentum, after trading points back and forth making the match 12-8. The Blue Hose continued to battle as the Redbirds struggled with serve receive and were forced to take another timeout. Presbyterian returned from timeout and took their first lead of the night 23-22. The Redbirds fought back to tie the match 24-24, forcing the set to extra points. The Redbirds closed the match with two back-to-back kills from Hranka and a 26-24 win.
The Redbirds will step back on the court tomorrow at 10 a.m. against Miami for their second match of the Country Financial Redbird Classic. Illinois State volleyball games can be heard live on GoRedbirds.com or WJBC.com.
Illinois State volleyball games can be heard live on GoRedbirds.com or WJBC.com.
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