McLean County Times

Sophomore Caitlyn Little recorded a career-high 18 kills on a .278 hitting percentage, leading Illinois State in a four-set loss to Illinois on Tuesday at Huff Hall, witnessed by 2,715 fans.

Junior Aida Shadewald contributed 12 kills, seven digs, and five service aces. Freshman Khenedi Guest added six kills and three blocks. Senior Mekaila Aupiu registered her fourth consecutive match with over 35 assists, concluding the night with a match-high of 38.

Illinois commenced the first set rapidly, establishing a 6-2 lead before Illinois State reduced the margin to 7-4. The Illini extended their lead to as much as 12 points, securing the first set at 25-13.

The Redbirds responded by taking the second set at 25-20, tying the match at one set each. Illinois State achieved a .414 hitting percentage in this set after posting just .034 in the opening set.

The third set began evenly matched until Illinois executed a decisive 6-0 run to gain a 15-10 lead. They maintained control thereafter, extending their lead to eight points and winning the third set with a final score of 25-18.

In the fourth and final set, Illinois State initially led by four points at 12-7. However, Illinois scored six of the next seven points to tie it at 13-13. From that point forward, neither team led by more than two until Illinois concluded the match with another decisive 6-0 run, winning the final set at 25-18.

Set Scores:

Illinois State falls to Illinois (1-3): 13-25, 25-20, 18-25, 18-25

Leading Performers for Illinois State:

Kills: Caitlyn Little (18)

Digs: Sammi Bunch (13)

Assists: Mekaila Aupiu (38)

Service Aces: Aida Shadewald (5)

Total Blocks: Khenedi Guest (3)

Additional Notes:

Illinois outhit Illinois State (.342 vs. .181).

Aida Shadewald achieved a new career-high with five service aces.

Caitlyn Little recorded a career-high of 18 kills.

This was the second consecutive meeting between these teams in Champaign.

Next Matches:

Illinois State will compete in the Billiken Invitational hosted by Saint Louis this weekend. Their matches are scheduled against Xavier (Friday at 11:00 a.m. CT), Army (Friday at 4:00 p.m. CT), and Saint Louis (Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT).

For updates on Illinois State volleyball, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App provide sources for tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia content, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.