Box Score
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Illinois State volleyball team wrapped up the UNI Tournament with a sweep of North Dakota State Saturday, giving the Redbirds a perfect 3-0 record at the tournament hosted by Northern Iowa at the McLeod Center. Illinois State defeated NDSU by scores of 25-16, 25-22, 29-27.
Jaelyn Keene tallied a match-high 15 kills and five blocks against NDSU, and Jordan Weatherless dished out 39 assists to lead the Redbirds to their third win in two days. Courtney Pence registered 23 digs. Aly Dawson added 13 kills in the win.
Keene and Pence were named all-tournament team selections. The Redbirds previously earned wins over Northern Iowa and Syracuse, before finishing off the weekend with the win over North Dakota State.
"This was the most consistent and efficient we've been offensively this preseason, and a good way to finish the nonconference schedule," said Illinois State head coach Melissa Myers. "Our serving and defense really stepped up this weekend as well, and that consistency on both sides of the ball was key to our success this weekend."
Illinois State (8-5) stormed out to a 5-1 lead in the first set and never looked back. Runs of four- and five-straight points later in the set helped the Redbirds pull away, and a kill from Ali Line on set point gave the Redbirds a 1-0 lead.
NDSU (2-10) led early in the second set until a seven-point blitz from the Redbirds paved the way for a 13-10 Illinois State lead. The Redbirds matched the Bison from then on, getting to a set point after a kill from Lexi Wallen. After seeing the Bison fight off three-straight set points, Illinois State took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to a kill from Keene.
Both teams had multiple chances to win the third set, which came down to extra points. The Redbirds fought off four set point chances for the Bison, and missed out on their first set and match point, but finished the match with three-straight points, including a pair of aces from Keene to close out the win.
The Redbirds will return to action next weekend when they host their first Missouri Valley Conference matches of the season at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds will take on Loyola on Friday and Bradley on Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m.
Fans can purchase tickets from the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office, online at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, in-person by visiting the ticket office at the north entrance to Redbird Arena, or by
calling (309) 438-8000.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
