Illinois State Volleyball Sweeps Bradley in I-74 Battle

Image courtesy of Illinois State athletics

NORMAL, Ill. — On Tuesday night, Illinois State Volleyball defeated Bradley 3-0 on Pack the Area Night. With this win, the Redbirds move to 3-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Redbirds now lead the all time series against the Braves 74-11.

In a competitive set one, the teams traded points early, with neither team able to gain a lead by more than two points. Towards the end of the set, Illinois State went on a 5-0 run to turn a two point Bradley lead into a 25-22 opening set win.

Fueled by the first-set win, the Redbirds ran off a 16-0 run between the end of the first set and beginning of the second, taking an 11-0 lead early in the set. Illinois States lead was quickly cut down by the Braves, who went on a 3-0 run. From there, the points went back and forth, but the Redbirds eventually exploded, extending their lead with a 6-0 scoring run to make the set 21-6. Bradley wasn’t able to come back, and Illinois State closed out the set 25-8. This was the first time that the Redbirds had allowed eight of fewer points in a set since October of 2023.

With the Redbirds up two sets to none, the team was looking at another potential sweep. The Braves jumped out early in set three, leading 4-2. Once Illinois State got the ball back, it answered with four consecutive points to take a 6-4 lead. Bradley sided out and was able to tie the match at 12-12. The Redbirds refused to give this one to the Braves and never trailed again. After the tie, Illinois State went on a trio of 3-0 runs, including the match ending run, securing the rivalry sweep with a 25-20 victory.

A highlights from the match was Illinois State’s defense, which held Bradley to a .076 attack percentage. This is the third time this season that the Redbirds have held an opponent below a .100 attack percentage.

On offense, junior outside hitter Oliwia Caputa completed her fifth double-digit-kill match of the season with 13 kills. Libero Sammi Bunch recorded 20 digs, her ninth consecutive double-digit-dig effort.

Sophomore Ella Craggs had a match high 21 assists. Freshman setter Ella Kohnen recorded career highs with 11 assists and two aces. Middle blocker Ayla Kilngenberg, who has not seen much action so far this season, recorded a season-high seven kills in addition to a season-high three blocks.

Illinois State’s next matchup is on Friday, Oct. 9, against Indiana State at home, with first serve set for 6 p.m.

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