CEFCU Arena | Illinois State University Athletics
CEFCU Arena | Illinois State University Athletics
Illinois State University's volleyball team has received significant recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) with three of its players earning individual honors. Senior Mekaila Aupiu was named MVC Setter of the Year, an accolade that highlights her standout performance this season.
Aupiu's selection marks her first time on the All-MVC First Team. She is joined by junior Aida Shadewald, who also made the All-MVC First Team. This honor represents Shadewald's third MVC individual award and her second consecutive first-team selection. Shadewald becomes the first Redbird to achieve back-to-back First Team selections since Stef Jankiewicz in 2019 and 2020-21.
Khenedi Guest was recognized as MVC Freshman of the Year and secured a place on the MVC All-Freshman Team. Guest's debut season included 261 kills and 94 blocks, showcasing her impact on the court.
Aupiu has been a consistent performer throughout the season, finishing ranked first in NCAA for total assists with 1,289 and averaging over ten assists per set. Her efforts make her only the third Redbird to earn MVC Setter of the Year, last achieved in 2020-21.
Shadewald completed the regular season among top performers in several categories within MVC athletes, including kills and service aces. With a total of 362 kills this season, she reached a career milestone surpassing 1,000 career kills.
The Illinois State volleyball team will compete next in the MVC quarterfinals against either Bradley or Missouri State on November 24 at UNI.
For more updates on Illinois State volleyball, visit GoRedbirds.com or follow their social media channels.
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