WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Illinois State volleyball team defeated George Washington in four sets (25-23, 25-20,15-25, 25-19) Saturday, marked the 1,000th victory in the program's history. The Redbirds finished the George Washington Tournament with a record of 2-1.
"This milestone has to do with the years and years this program has been successful and the many people that have come through it," ISU head coach Melissa Myers said about the 1,000th victory. "A lot of people contributed to this success including past administrators, coaches and players, and we're really grateful for that and I'm glad our team could be a part of it."
Senior setter Kaitlyn Early filled up the stat sheet with 39 assists, 13 digs, six kills and four blocks to lead the Redbirds. Ashley Rosch led all players with 11 kills, good for 11.5 points. Emily Schneider chipped in 10 kills and five blocks. The Redbirds (6-5) were able to beat the George Washington (6-3) with an attack percentage of just .184.
ISU won the first two sets while owning an attack percentage of .224. After the intermission in between the second and third set, George Washington bounced back. The Colonials cruised to a 20-12 lead mostly because of a great sideout percentage (.750), which did not allow the Redbirds to construct any extended runs. George Washington took the third set 25-15.
In the fourth set, the Colonials got out to an early advantage and did not concede the lead until midway through the set. ISU battle throughout the set and tied the game, 11-11, and then took the lead for good over the Colonials. The Redbirds took the set and the match, 25-19, to record the milestone victory.Â
ISU's non-conference schedule is now complete. The Redbirds will open up the Missouri Valley Conference season on the road next weekend at Wichita State and Missouri State. All ISU matches can be heard on GoRedbirds.com.
GoRedbirds.com:Â Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.ÂÂÂÂ
