McLean County Times

The Illinois State Redbirds volleyball team secured a second consecutive sweep to open the 2025 season, defeating the Western Michigan Broncos in three sets (26-24, 25-19, 26-24) on Saturday evening in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Redbirds displayed a balanced offensive performance with six players recording at least five kills. This marks the first time since 1992 that Illinois State has opened its season with back-to-back sweeps. The team is now aiming for its first 3-0 start since 2010.

In the opening set, Illinois State led most of the way before Western Michigan briefly took a late lead. The Redbirds responded by winning five of the next six points and closed out the set after a kill from Hannah Reichensperger and an ace by Oliwia Caputa.

During the second set, both teams exchanged leads early until Illinois State went on a five-point run to establish control. After Western Michigan narrowed the gap to one point at 20-19, Illinois State finished strong by scoring the final five points.

Western Michigan built an early seven-point advantage in the third set, but Illinois State answered with a 7-0 run to take a one-point lead. The teams traded points until they were tied at 24. Aida Shadewald’s kill and a Bronco ball-handling error secured the match for Illinois State.

Illinois State’s Ruth Ziegler and Reichensperger each tallied seven kills. Caitlyn Little, Logan Grevengoed, and Shadewald contributed six kills apiece, while Khenedi Guest added five kills and led with seven blocks. As a team, Illinois State recorded at least ten blocks for the second straight match, finishing with twelve against Western Michigan.

Audrey Clark posted a new career-high with eighteen assists for the second consecutive night. Arianna Rossi led defensively with ten digs; Shadewald and Little followed closely behind. Shadewald also served three aces as Illinois State outperformed Western Michigan nine-to-two in service aces.

Illinois State will conclude its participation in the Western Michigan Volleyball Tournament facing Oakland Golden Grizzlies on Sunday morning in Kalamazoo.