NORMAL, Ill. – The 2023 MVC season continued for the Illinois State Redbirds Saturday as the 'Birds took on the UNI Panthers inside CEFCU Arena, falling in a three-set sweep.
The Redbirds (2-12 overall, 0-2 MVC) saw sophomore Hannah Reichensperger lead the way with eight kills for ISU, joined by fellow sophomore Aida Shadewald's seven kills on the night. Sophomore Emily Weber notched a team-high 20 assists Saturday.
After dropping the first two sets, Illinois State responded in the third set to hit .233 as a team, their highest pct across all three sets. However, despite competing until the final whistle, the Panthers scored three of the last four points to claim the sweep and move to 2-0 in MVC play.
UNI (8-6, 2-0 MVC overall) were the 2023 MVC preseason favorite to repeat after winning the MVC title in 2022.
SET SCORES
Illinois State falls to UNI (0-3): 15-25, 16-25, 22-25
ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS
Kills: Hannah Reichensperger (8)
Digs: Mari Hinkle (9)
Assists: Emily Weber (20)
Service Aces: Emily Weber (2)
Total Blocks: Kara Cooper (3)
ILLINOIS STATE NOTES
- Illinois State (.088) was outhit by UNI (.344)
- Graduate student Mari Hinkle dug nine more balls Saturday, moving her collegiate career total to 997 as she will look to eclipse the 1,000+ career dig mark next weekend.
- Illinois State held four service aces while UNI only had two service aces Saturday night
UP NEXT
Illinois State will hit the road for the first time in 2023 MVC plays as the Redbirds travel to Murray, Ky. to matchup with the Murray State Racers on Friday, September 29 with first serve at 6:00 p.m. CT.
For all latest on Illinois State volleyball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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