By ISU Sports Information
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State volleyball team was swept by host Southern Illinois Friday night as the Salukis avenged last month’s five-set loss at Redbird Arena. The Salukis won by scores of 25-20, 25-19, 25-22, as sophomore outside hitter Andrea Estrada posted a match-high 24 kills.
Ashley Rosch led the Redbirds with a team-high 14 kills. Ali Line collected nine kills, while Jaelyn Keene chipped in seven kills and a match-high six blocks, including thee solos. Jordan Weatherless dished out 24 assists and Courtney Pence registered a team-high 10 digs.
“This was a tough night for us, especially defensively,” said Illinois State head coach Melissa Myers. “Estrada was on fire and we didn’t have an answer. When we did get a dig, we just couldn’t convert.”
Illinois State (20-9, 10-6 MVC) shot out to an 8-4 lead early in the first set, but the host Salukis slowly chipped away at the lead, tying the score at 13-13. Southern Illinois (21-7, 12-3) finished the set strong, ending on a 10-5 run to win the first set.
Southern Illinois used a 6-1 run early in the second set to maintain the momentum it built in the first set. The hosts led by as many as eight points before the Redbirds whittled it down to five, at 19-14, forcing a Southern Illinois timeout. The Salukis matched the Redbirds point-for-point from there, however, to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
Southern Illinois benefitted from another 6-1 run early in the third set. The Redbirds kept it close, eventually tying the score at 18-18, but Southern Illinois finished on a 7-4 run, closing it out with Estrada’s 24th kill of the match.
Illinois State is back in action Saturday night at Evansville. First serve is set for 6 p.m.