Leanna Bordner Chief Operating Officer/SWA | Illinois State University Athletics Website
Leanna Bordner Chief Operating Officer/SWA | Illinois State University Athletics Website
Illinois State University's volleyball team has unveiled its 2024 schedule, which includes 31 regular season matches before the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in late November. The Redbirds will face teams such as Illinois and Iowa from the Big Ten.
Head coach Allie Matters expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming non-conference schedule, stating, "We are excited about our 2024 non-conference schedule. It challenges us in different ways to prepare for a competitive conference slate. We have experience in multiple positions along with depth that will allow us to focus on our systems in various ways." Matters highlighted the team's increased physicality and athleticism, noting an average attacker height of 6'1". She added, "We are thrilled to be opening at home in CEFCU for the first time in 15 years."
The season kicks off with the Red & White Scrimmage on August 15 and an exhibition match at Eastern Illinois on August 24. The Redbirds then host the Linda Herman Volleyball Classic from August 30-31, featuring Central Michigan, Bellarmine, and Lindenwood.
Subsequently, Illinois State will travel for three consecutive weekends starting with the Saint Louis Tournament from September 6-7 against Xavier, Army, and SLU. They will then compete in the Panther Invitational at UW-Milwaukee from September 13-14 facing St. Thomas, Milwaukee, and Iowa.
The non-conference portion concludes with the Florida Atlantic Tournament from September 20-21 against Florida Atlantic, Stetson, and Mercer. The MVC Tournament is set for November 23-26 at UNI.
The team welcomes ten newcomers alongside returning players including Aida Shadewald who was part of the All-MVC First Team in 2023. Matters commented on the roster's potential: "This roster is a special one, and we can't wait for our Redbird fans to see them in action," adding that they have "unfinished business this season."
Key highlights of their schedule include hosting their season opener for the first time since 2009 and facing six new opponents such as Bellarmine and Lindenwood. Additionally, they meet Iowa again after two decades.
For updates on Illinois State volleyball, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow them on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
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