NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State volleyball (0-3) is set to host the first of three tournaments at Redbird Arena this year beginning on Friday, as the Redbirds hold the Red & White Invitational alongside No. 25 Marquette (3-0), Ohio (0-2) and UIC (1-2).
The 'Birds play Ohio on Friday at 4:30 p.m. to open the tournament before meeting UIC on Saturday at 11 a.m. and No. 25 Marquette on Sunday at 1 p.m.
FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 3 @ 4:30 p.m. – Ohio vs. Illinois State
Friday, Sept. 3 @ 7 p.m. – No. 25 Marquette vs. UIC
Saturday, Sept. 4 @ 11 a.m. – UIC vs. Illinois State
Saturday, Sept. 4 @ 1 p.m. – Ohio vs. No. 25 Marquette
Saturday, Sept. 4 @ 6 p.m. – UIC vs. Ohio
Sunday, Sept. 5 @ 1 p.m. – No. 25 Marquette vs. Illinois State
COMING TO REDBIRD ARENA
This weekend is the first of three tournaments held at Redbird Arena this fall for Illinois State, who will also host Illinois, Missouri and North Texas for the Redbird Classic on Sept. 17-18. ISU will also host the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the second year in a row, which takes place Nov. 25-27.
FOR STARTERS
Illinois State dropped three matches to begin the season at the JMU Invitational last weekend in Harrisonburg, Va. Sophomore outside hitter Tamara Otene was named to the all-tournament team at the conclusion of road trip, leading the Redbirds in kills in two of three matches and blasting a career-high 18 kills in ISU's season opener versus VCU.
Sophomore Allie Trame and freshmen Aliyah Moore, Katelyn Lefler and Maggi Weller all made their ISU debuts over the weekend.
RAISE THE BANNER
Prior to ISU's match versus Ohio on Friday at 4:30 p.m., the Redbirds will be celebrating their MVC regular season and tournament titles from last season and officially raising a new banner into Redbird Arena's rafters.
SATURDAY PARKING
Due to a conflict with football tailgating lots, all volleyball attendees are asked to park in lot G82 for Saturday's matches. Season ticket holders with F62 lot passes can present their season-long parking pass for complimentary parking. All other volleyball attendees will be required to pay $10 to park in the lot. Town street surface parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
SUNDAY GIVEAWAY
On Sunday, ISU will hand out a replica championship pennant to the first 500 fans in the doors to watch the 'Birds face BIG EAST opponent Marquette at 1 p.m.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets are still available! Claim yours now for only $50: https://bit.ly/2Wv8pST.
REGGIE'S KIDS CLUB
Reggie's Kids Club members receive FREE admission this weekend and for all volleyball matches throughout the season. Simply bring your RKC member ID card and present it upon entering Redbird Arena. If you have lost your ID card, a new one can be requested through the ticket office.
For all latest on Illinois State volleyball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @RedbirdVB (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
