Gregory Street Tennis Courts | Illinois State University Athletics
Gregory Street Tennis Courts | Illinois State University Athletics
Illinois State University's volleyball team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament after defeating Missouri State in a four-set match. The victory ensures Illinois State's place in the first semi-final, scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m., where they will face top-seeded Northern Iowa.
The match scores were 20-25, 27-25, 25-21, and 25-20 in favor of Illinois State. The opening set saw Missouri State take an early lead due to an error from Illinois State but was quickly equalized by a kill from Caitlyn Little. Despite gaining a five-point advantage later on, Illinois State lost the first set 25-20.
In the second set, Illinois State overcame an initial deficit to tie at 12 points each with two consecutive service aces by Sammi Bunch. The set continued closely until Khenedi Guest secured it for Illinois State with a decisive kill at 27-25.
The third set featured back-to-back kills from Abby Reck and additional contributions from Little that allowed Illinois State to maintain their lead and win the set 25-21. In the fourth and final set, crucial plays by Guest and Hannah Reichensperger helped establish a five-point lead which they maintained until winning the match with a score of 25-20. Reichensperger's kill on match point confirmed their spot in the semi-final.
Key performers for Illinois State included Aida Shadewald with 16 kills and five service aces, Sammi Bunch with 18 digs, Mekaila Aupiu who achieved a career-high of 57 assists, and Hannah Reichensperger who led in total blocks with five.
Statistically, Illinois State outperformed Missouri State with a hitting percentage of .326 compared to .265. Junior Aida Shadewald recorded a double-double during this game.
This advancement marks Illinois State's first appearance in the semi-finals since 2021 and is notable as it is their first time advancing as a seed lower than top-three since 2016.
Illinois State will next compete against Northern Iowa tomorrow at Cedar Falls at three o'clock in the afternoon. Updates can be followed on GoRedbirds.com or through various social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Alerts Sign-up