Ryan Pedon, Head Coach | Illinois State Redbirds
Ryan Pedon, Head Coach | Illinois State Redbirds
The Illinois State Redbirds volleyball team secured a 3-1 victory over UIC on Thursday night at home, with set scores of 25-23, 25-15, 18-25, and 25-19.
Caitlyn Little led the Redbirds with 15 kills and added 10 digs for her fourth double-double of the season. Khenedi Guest contributed 11 kills and eight blocks. The team had two players record double-doubles for the second time this season; Little and Aida Shadewald each achieved this mark during the match.
In the first set, Illinois State overcame an early deficit to take a lead they would not relinquish. Despite a late comeback attempt by UIC, a kill from Little ended the frame in favor of ISU. The Redbirds started strong in the second set by scoring five consecutive points and maintained control throughout for their largest set win margin of the season.
UIC responded in the third set, overcoming four ties and three lead changes to avoid a sweep. However, Illinois State finished strong in the fourth set after trailing by two points at one stage. They closed out the match by scoring nine of the final fourteen points, ending with a block from Guest and Shadewald.
Ella Craggs posted career-highs with 42 assists and three blocks while adding six digs. Guest’s eight blocks marked her sixth match this season with at least six blocks. After returning from injury, Shadewald reached double-digit kills for the first time since August 31.
Arianna Rossi recorded 17 digs—her second-highest total in four-set matches this year—and Ruth Ziegler tied her career-best with four digs. Hannah Reichensperger achieved a career-high three aces and matched her second-best block total for the season.
Illinois State now holds its first win this season when having equal or fewer blocks than their opponent (now 1-5). The Redbirds will next face Valparaiso at home on Friday evening inside CEFCU Arena.
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