McLean County Times

Illinois State volleyball (3-7) fell to Iowa (5-3) in four sets (19-25, 8-25, 25-22, 14-25) on Saturday afternoon to close out their weekend at the Panther Invitational in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Redbirds are now 2-4 in four-set matches this season.

In the first set, Illinois State was first on the board with four ties across the initial eight points before Iowa built a four-point lead (15-11) heading into the media timeout. The Hawkeyes maintained their lead and concluded the set with a 25-19 win.

The second set saw another back-and-forth start before Iowa built a six-point lead, forcing an early Illinois State timeout at 9-3. The Hawkeyes hit .500 and took the set by a final of 25-8.

Trailing early in the third set, Illinois State went on a 4-0 scoring run to take an 8-5 lead as Iowa called their first timeout of the set. Another 4-0 run extended Illinois State's lead to 18-13. Despite an Iowa response that trimmed the lead to one point, Illinois State closed out the set with a 25-22 win.

In the fourth set, both teams remained close until Iowa pulled ahead by six points, holding a 15-9 lead at the media timeout. The Hawkeyes expanded their lead and secured a 25-14 win in the final set.

Key performers for Illinois State included Aida Shadewald with nine kills and ten digs, Mekaila Aupiu with 26 assists, and Logan Grevengoed along with Khenedi Guest each contributing two total blocks. Shadewald also recorded three service aces and is now one away from tying for 25th in program history with her career total standing at 88 service aces.

Freshman Khenedi Guest increased her team-leading block total to 26.

Next up for Illinois State is participation in the Owls Paradise Classic hosted by FAU on September 20 and 21.

For updates on Illinois State volleyball, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow them on social media platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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