Alex Cain Assistant Athletic Director/Game Operations | Illinois State University Athletics Website
Alex Cain Assistant Athletic Director/Game Operations | Illinois State University Athletics Website
Illinois State volleyball concluded their participation in the Owls Paradise Classic with a five-set victory over Mercer on Saturday morning in Boca Raton, Florida. The Redbirds will now shift their focus to the 2024 Missouri Valley Conference season, which begins Friday at CEFCU Arena.
The match against Mercer ended with Illinois State winning by scores of 25-27, 25-17, 25-14, 22-25, and 15-8.
In the first set, both teams were evenly matched, reaching a tie at 13-13. Mercer eventually took a lead and won the set after a series of exchanges that extended into extra points.
The second set saw Illinois State gain momentum with a scoring run that led to a 12-9 advantage. Despite Mercer's efforts to close the gap, Illinois State secured the set at 25-17.
During the third set, kills from freshman Khenedi Guest and Oliwia Caputa helped Illinois State build an early lead. The Redbirds maintained control and won the set decisively at 25-14.
The fourth set featured multiple ties before Illinois State went on a run to lead 12-9. However, Mercer managed to come back and win the set at 25-22, forcing a fifth and final set.
In the fifth set, Illinois State established an early lead and maintained it throughout to win at 15-8 and secure the overall match victory.
Statistical leaders for Illinois State included Aida Shadewald with 18 kills, Madison Smith with 20 digs, Mekaila Aupiu with 46 assists, Oliwia Caputa with three service aces, and Khenedi Guest with seven total blocks. Notably:
- Illinois State outhit Mercer (.292 vs .152).
- Junior Aida Shadewald recorded her seventh double-double of the season.
- Senior Mekaila Aupiu achieved her fifth double-double.
Three Redbirds posted double-digit digs (Smith, Aupiu, Shadewald) as well as double-digit kills (Shadewald, Caputa, Guest).
Illinois State will begin MVC play by hosting Murray State and Belmont on September 27 and 28 at CEFCU Arena. For updates on Illinois State volleyball visit GoRedbirds.com or follow them on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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