NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team took down Indiana State in a three-set sweep at CEFCU Arena on Friday in front of 1,706 fans, as the Redbirds have now won four straight matches in MVC play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In set one, the two sides would remain close as Illinois State led by as many as four early on (14-10) before the Sycamores trimmed the margin to 15-13. The Redbirds scored nine straight points to hold set point and lead 24-13. Indiana State did not go quietly as the visitors scored five straight points to make it 24-18 before a service error by the Sycamores gave ILS the first set, 25-18.
The Redbirds jumped out to an early lead in set two and led by as many as five, thanks a 5-0 run, to pull ahead 11-6. The Redbirds kept the pressure on as they would not trail the rest of the way, leading by as many as 11 before closing the set with a Megan Haynes kill for the 25-15 set two victory.
In the third set, the score would remain tight for most of the action. As the score was tied 16-16, it was the Redbirds taking control of the momentum with a 7-2 run to lead 23-18. Once more, the Sycamores would not go quietly as they scored three straight to make it a two-point game at 23-21 before the Redbirds finished off the match with a kill from Khenedi Guest for the match victory and set five win, 25-22.
SET SCORES
Illinois State defeats Indiana State in three sets: 25-18, 25-15, 25-22
ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS
Kills: Khenedi Guest (15)
Digs: Aida Shadewald (21)
Assists: Mekaila Aupiu (38)
Service Aces: Mekaila Aupiu (3)
Total Blocks: Khenedi Guest (3)
ILLINOIS STATE NOTES
- Illinois State (.308) outhit Indiana State (.146)
- This is Illinois State's fourth straight home win over Indiana State
- Guest sets a new career high with her 15 kills tonight
- Junior Aida Shadewald ties her career high in digs, matching her 21-dig performance at Milwaukee on Sept. 13
UP NEXT
Illinois State welcomes in Evansville to CEFCU Arena for first serve at 6:00 p.m. CT Saturday night. Saturday's match will be streamed via ESPN+.
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