NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team (13-14, 8-6 MVC) pulled off its second win in as many matches, prevailing over Southern Illinois (10-15, 3-11 MVC) in four sets Friday night at CEFCU Arena.
SET SCORES
Illinois State defeats Southern Illinois in four sets: 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1
As the two sides started out trading points, Illinois State ceased some control and took a four-point lead at 11-7. The Redbirds kept their lead and would eventually lead by as many as six at 15-9 before the Salukis mounted a comeback. Trailing 17-12, Southern Illinois trimmed the lead two at 17-15 before going on a 6-0 run to pull ahead 23-20. Illinois State worked to make it a one-point game at 23-22 before SIU closed out the set for the 25-22 win.
Set 2
Illinois State came out firing in set two, taking a 4-0 lead before the Salukis responded to tie the score at 5-5. However, thanks to a 10-0 run soon after, it was the Redbirds taking control with a commanding 16-7 lead. From there, Southern Illinois would trim the margin to five at 21-16, but it would not be enough as ISU remained composed to close the set with three of the final four points for the 25-19 set two win.
Set 3
Once again, ISU used some momentum to score five straight for an early 5-1 lead. The Redbirds remained ahead as the set continued, leading by as many as six, before the Salukis responded to keep it tight. A 3-0 run by Southern Illinois made the score 18-16 and the Salukis kept the pressure on, as they would eventually tie the score at 21-21 down the stretch. ISU would score four of the final six set points, taking the 25-23 set three win.
Set 4
Set four was tightly contested throughout the entirety of action, as neither side led by more than three. Down the stretch, the score would be tied at 20-20 and 22-22 as the Redbirds used the home crowd to their advantage to score the final three points and close out the match with a 25-22 set four win.
ILLINOIS STATE STATS LEADERS
Kills: Caitlyn Little (20)
Digs: Sammi Bunch (22)
Assists: Mekaila Aupiu (44)
Service Aces: Olivia Baierl (2)
Total Blocks: Khenedi Guest (7)
ILLINOIS STATE NOTES
- Illinois State (.184) outhit Southern Illinois (.137)
- Sophomore Caitlyn Little recorded her fourth double-double of 2024 with 20 kills and 13 digs
- Senior Mekaila Aupiu recorded her team-best 12th double-double with 44 assists and 14 digs
- Aupiu has now totaled 1,100 assists in 2024
UP NEXT
Illinois State remains at home to face Missouri State at 5 p.m. Saturday inside CEFCU Arena. Saturday will be ISU's Senior Day as the Redbirds will honor four student-athletes in a post-match ceremony.
For all the latest on Illinois State volleyball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:  Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
