NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team dropped its weekend opener on Friday evening, falling at home to the Drake Bulldogs in three sets (25-15, 25-22, 25-22).
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set (15-25): Drake rushed out to start the game, scoring the first three points and the Bulldogs never trailed in the frame. ISU tied the score at four, five, and six; however, the visitors ran off a 3-0 run, cruising to the 10-point set victory.
Second Set (22-25): The second set saw 11 ties and four lead changes throughout the close period, with the largest lead gathered by either team was three points. Tied 22-22 late in the period, the Bulldogs scored the final three points to secure the 25-22 set win.
Third Set (22-25): ISU started strong in the third set, using early momentum of a 6-0 run to push ahead by three at 8-5, and ISU led by as many as five at 12-7 before the visitors started their slow climb back into the set. Drake scored four in a row to tie the score at 14 and used a 3-0 run to push ahead by four at 19-15. Trailing 24-20, the Redbirds climbed back, scoring two straight; however, could not overcome the full amount in the three-point set loss.
KEY STATISTICS
- The Redbirds were led by Caitlyn Little and Aida Shadewald with seven kills apiece, as Little has now led the team in kills ten times while Shadewald has done it three times.
- Arianna Rossi had a match-high 20 digs for ISU, her sixth match this season with 20+ digs, and her second straight
- The dig total was the first time she has had 20+ digs in a three-set match this season
- Shadewald led the team with a season-high-tying four blocks
- With her 25 assists, Ella Craggs has led ISU in assists for five consecutive matches, and she has 10 matches with 20+ assists
- With 13 digs, she recorded her sixth double-double of the season, and her second consecutive
NEXT UP
The Redbirds remain at home for a Saturday evening battle with in-state foe Southern Illinois with a 7 p.m. first serve on ISU's Homecoming Day.
