EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Illinois State volleyball fell to Evansville in its Missouri Valley Conference opener in four sets on Friday at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
The Redbirds (7-5 overall) were led by 11 kills from senior Sarah Kushner and nine kills from freshman Aida Shadewald. Senior Kendee Hilliard also provided a spark with seven kills.
Illinois State dropped the first set but rallied to win the second set before blowing a 13-9 lead in the third set. Controversy overshadowed the fourth and final set as there was confusion after a challenge on the correct score.
Evansville (4-11 overall) was picked second in the MVC preseason poll.
SET SCORES
Illinois State falls to Evansville (1-3): 12-25, 25-23, 20-25, 18-25
ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS
Kills: Sarah Kushner (11)
Digs: Kaity Weimerskirch (13)
Assists: Nora Janka (17)
Service Aces: Regan Haith (4)
Total Blocks: Kaitlyn Prondzinski, and Regan Haith (3)
ILLINOIS STATE NOTES
-Illinois State (.153) was outhit by Evansville (.303)
-Freshman Regan Haith has multiple blocks in 11-of-12 matches in 2022. Haith tied her career high with four service aces (8/27/22 vs Cincinnati)
-Senior Kaity Weimerskirch had 11+ digs in 11-of-12 matches in 2022.
UP NEXT
Illinois State will look to get back on track at Indiana State on September 24.
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