Redbirds Battle, Fall to UIC in Straight Sets Friday

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team never gave up and battled for every point, but it would not be enough as the UIC Flames took home a three-set sweep from CEFCU Arena on Friday.

Graduate student Bella Zeman led the Redbirds on Friday, finishing with 14 kills as sophomore Aida Shadewald contributed 12 kills of her own on the night.

Sophomore Emily Weber notched her 19th straight match with at least 20 assists, finishing the night with a total of 30 assists for the 'Birds.

Graduate student Mari Hinkle would also be a big contributor for the Redbirds on Friday as she would collect 17 digs as part of a 47-dig night for the 'Birds. 

As the opening set would see both sides battle back-and-forth for the majority of play, UIC rallied back from 21-to-19 and held off two set points from ISU to knot the score at 24 apiece. Aida Shadewald would give the home team another chance to take the early advantage, but it was UIC scoring four of the final five points to take set 1 28-26.

In set two, UIC would be in firm control for the entirety of play as the Flames led by as many as nine on two separate occasions. The Flames would not let up the lead as they pulled ahead by double digits for the last nine set points, taking the second set by a score of 25-13.

Set three would once more be back-and-forth for the programs, but it was the Flames staving off a late Redbirds rally as the Flames finished the match with a 25-23 set three win to claim the sweep over ISU Friday.

Illinois State falls to 11-15 overall and 9-5 in MVC play while the Flames improve to 17-10 overall and 8-6 in MVC play.

SET SCORES

Illinois State swept by UIC (3-0): 28-26, 25-13, 25-23

ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS

Kills: Bella Zeman (14)

Digs: Mari Hinkle (17)

Assists: Emily Weber (30)

Service Aces: Mari Hinkle and Emily Weber (2)

Total Blocks: Cassie Jordan (4)

ILLINOIS STATE NOTES

- Illinois State (.153) was outhit by UIC (.231)

- Illinois State totaled more digs (47-45) and assists (43-37) than UIC Friday night

UP NEXT

Illinois State will celebrate Senior Day when the Valparaiso Beacons come to Normal on Saturday with first serve at 5 p.m. CT from CEFCU Arena.

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