Head Coach Allie Matters Wins 100th Career Match with 3-2 Victory Over Bradley

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State volleyball Head Coach Allie Matters earned her 100th career win as a college head coach in thrilling fashion as she led ISU to a five-set victory (25-22, 25-27, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12) over Bradley on Monday night inside CEFCU Arena.

The Redbirds (9-12, 7-2 MVC) extended their winning streak to seven-straight matches, including winning 20 of their last 23 sets in MVC play with tonight's victory over the Braves (7-15, 0-9 MVC).

Graduate student Bella Zeman led the way with 15 kills while sophomores Hannah Reichensperger and Aida Shadewald contributed 13 and 12 kills each, respectively.

Emily Weber continued an impressive sophomore season for the 'Birds as she notched her 14th straight match with 20+ assists. The Fishers, Ind. native would finish the night with a match high 42 assists Monday.

The Redbirds would also stand tall behind the white line as they tied their season high in service aces in a five-set match Monday as senior Nora Janka led the charge with four aces of her own against the Braves.

Shadewald would also guide the 'Birds on the defensive front as the sophomore finished with five blocks as part of a new five-set season high blocks total for ISU (10).

SET SCORES

Illinois State defeats Bradley (3-2): 25-22, 25-27, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12

ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS

Kills: Bella Zeman (15)

Digs: Mari Hinkle (29)

Assists: Emily Weber (42)

Service Aces: Nora Janka (4)

Total Blocks: Aida Shadewald (5)

ILLINOIS STATE NOTES

- Illinois State (.138) outhit Bradley (.130)

- The Redbirds collect their first win over Bradley since Nov. 19, 2021, after dropping both matches to the Braves during the 2022 season. 

- Illinois State has now won seven straight matches for the first time since 2021 (Oct. 15-Nov. 5) as the Redbirds would win eight straight matches that season.

UP NEXT

Illinois State will remain at home as they host their annual Monster Match on Friday, October 20, versus Evansville. Following the meeting with the Purple Aces, the Redbirds host the Indiana State Sycamores on Saturday with first serve at 5 p.m. CT.

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