CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team (13-11, 9-3 MVC) picked up their sixth-straight win and third-consecutive sweep, beating Southern Illinois (5-19, 0-11 MVC) in three sets (25-12, 25-18, 25-17). The Redbirds' win over the Salukis marks their 11th-straight set win and second sweep of SIU this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Illinois State started the match in dominating fashion with 7-1 run, including a swing of five unanswered points. From that point on, the Redbirds capitalized on 11 set one errors from the Salukis going on run after run to secure the 13-point win in the opening set. In the midst of two separate Redbird runs, both of ISU's setters served up back-to-back service aces, marking the first time this season that the duo of Nora Janka and Katelyn Lefler has had at least two aces each in the same match.
Sophomore middle blocker Nicole Lund went to work in set two, nailing kill after kill in key moments for the 'Birds, tallying six of her 13 kills in the second set alone. Lund completely turned set two around for the 'Birds, starting a 9-1 Redbird run to give ISU a 17-10 advantage after being knotted up at nine early in the set. Illinois State carried that momentum throughout the end of the set with Lund ending set two with back-to-back kills, giving the 'Birds the 25-18 win.
The Salukis started to find some rhythm early in set three, capitalizing on ISU's errors and turning in nine kills in the final set. Illinois State responded out of the timeout however, turning a four-point deficit into an 11-10 lead with five-straight points. From that point on the 'Birds led to the end, securing their third-straight sweep of the season with a 25-17 win in set three.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH LEAH JOHNSON
On Nicole Lund's performance:
"Nic (Nicole Lund) was incredible tonight. She gave us the momentum we needed both offensively and defensively tonight to get the win over Southern. We're happy to get another win under our belts and continue this energy into tomorrow's battle with Missouri State."
UP NEXT
The Redbirds will face off with Missouri State tomorrow night, October 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Springfield, Missouri.
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