Illinois State Set to Host Linda Herman Classic

Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State volleyball is hosting the Linda Herman Classic in CEFCU Arena this weekend, hosting Western Illinois on Friday, Lindenwood on Saturday, and Purdue Fort Wayne on Sunday. Illinois State is coming off three-match sweeps against Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan last weekend. The Redbirds are on a five-match win streak and are 5-1 on the season.

The Redbirds will kick off the Classic on Friday at 6 p.m. against Western Illinois. The Leathernecks last played on Sept. 5 losing to Northern Arizona in five sets.

The last time these teams faced each other was back in September 2011, a four-set match that the Redbirds won. Illinois State took the first two sets winning 25-18 and 25-11 but was unable to complete the sweep as they lost the third set 25-16 before taking the fourth set 25-18. The Redbirds recorded a combined 29 kills in the win.

On Saturday, first serve is set for 5 p.m. against Lindenwood. The Lions last played on Sept. 9 being swept by the University of Illinois. The Redbirds last faced the Lions in 2024, in which the Redbirds fell in five sets. Left side hitter Caitlyn Little recorded 12 kills in the loss.

On the last day of the Classic, the Redbirds face Purdue Fort Wayne with first serve at 1:30 p.m. Purdue Fort Wayne last played Miami (OHIO) on Sept. 5 losing in four sets. The Mastodons recorded 24 digs on the match. The Redbirds last played Purdue Fort Wayne back in 2023 in which the Redbirds swept the match.

For all things Redbird Volleyball, stay tuned to WZND.com