Career-High Filled Redbirds Top Murray State in Five Sets

MURRAY, Ky. – Racer Arena was the place to be on Friday night as Murray State welcomed in the Illinois State Redbirds for a highly contested MVC match, where the Redbirds left the court with a hard-fought five set victory after nearly three hours of action.

Every set saw the programs trade points back-and-forth as a combined 220 points were played over the match entirety.

The Redbirds were led by 18 kills from sophomores Aida Shadewald and Hannah Reichensperger. Reichensperger's 18 kills tonight set a new five-set career high for the Tower, Minn. native.

Sophomore Emily Weber would also set her own career high as the sophomore collected 59 assists on Friday, marking her eighth straight match with 20+ assists as well.

Graduate student Mari Hinkle notched a new five-set career high with 37 digs against the Racers to lead the Redbirds in the category.

Illinois State improves to 3-12 overall and 1-2 in the MVC while Murray State drops to 8-5 overall and 2-2 in the MVC.

SET SCORES

Illinois State defeats Murray State (3-2): 25-21, 21-25, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12

ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS

Kills: Aida Shadewald/Hannah Reichensperger (18)

Digs: Mari Hinkle (37)

Assists: Emily Weber (59)

Service Aces: Nora Janka (3)

Total Blocks: Hannah Reichensperger (6)

ILLINOIS STATE NOTES

- Illinois State (.235) outhit Murray State (.207)

- Graduate student Mari Hinkle eclipsed the 1,000 career dig mark during the first set as part of a 37-dig night, making herself the 10th active Missouri Valley Conference Volleyball player with 1,000+ career digs.

- Friday marked the first five-set match for Illinois State in MVC play since 10/14/22 when the Redbirds hosted Indiana State, taking home the 3-2 win that night as well.

UP NEXT

Illinois State will continue the road trip as the 'Birds head to Nashville to face the Belmont Bruins tomorrow night, September 30 at 6 p.m. inside the Curb Event Center.

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