Allie Matters, Head Coach | Illinois State Redbirds
Allie Matters, Head Coach | Illinois State Redbirds
The Illinois State volleyball team began its season with a strong performance at the Western Michigan Tournament in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Redbirds won all three matches in straight sets, marking the first time since 1992 that the team has started a season with three consecutive sweeps.
Tournament MVP Aida Shadewald led the squad, and she was joined by Ruth Ziegler and Arianna Rossi on the All-Tournament Team. In their opening match against Oakland, Illinois State secured a 25-19 win in the first set after closing with six unanswered points. The second set saw ISU take an early lead and maintain control for a 25-20 victory. The third set was closely contested, but back-to-back kills from Oliwia Caputa helped seal a 26-24 win.
Shadewald recorded her first double-double of the season with 11 kills and 14 digs. Setter Audrey Clark achieved career highs with 21 assists and nine digs. Ziegler contributed eight kills and five blocks, both season highs for her. Seven different Redbird players tallied at least five kills during the match.
This tournament win marks only the fourth time in school history that Illinois State has opened a season with three straight sweeps. The last occurrence was in 1992 when ISU swept its first four opponents.
Rossi had a match-high 19 digs, setting a new season high for her as a transfer to Illinois State. Freshman Ne'Khaela Rogers made her collegiate debut, recording five kills on twelve attempts along with four blocks.
Illinois State will next compete at the Iowa Volleyball Tournament starting Thursday, September 4, facing Loyola Ramblers in their opening match.
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