McLean County Times

Illinois State University's volleyball team will start the 2024 Missouri Valley Conference season by hosting Murray State and Belmont this weekend. The Redbirds, currently holding a 5-8 record, will face Murray State on Friday night at 6 p.m. and Belmont on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The match against Murray State has been designated as ISU's RED OUT and Eras Night match. Fans are encouraged to wear red, and the first 250 ISU students in attendance will receive an Eras Night t-shirt.

Junior Aida Shadewald received preseason All-MVC honors after being named to the All-MVC First Team in 2023. Illinois State was selected fourth in the 2024 MVC preseason poll, receiving one first-place vote.

Freshman Khenedi Guest was named MVC Freshman of the Week following her performance at the Owls Paradise Classic in Florida. Guest recorded 37 kills on a .500 hitting percentage over the weekend, including a career-high of 14 kills against Stetson.

Senior setter Mekaila Aupiu has made significant contributions since joining Illinois State before the 2024 season. Aupiu leads the team with 493 assists, placing her sixth nationally, and ranks third on the team in block solos with four.

Illinois State achieved a notable victory with a 3-0 sweep over Army during the Billiken Invitational on September 6, highlighted by a set three win with a score of 32-30—the first time since November 2019 that Illinois State scored over 30 points to win a set.

For more information about Illinois State volleyball, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow the team on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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