Coach Allie Matters Discusses Bradley Win and Indiana State Matchup

Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics

NORMAL Ill. — After Illinois State volleyball lost back to back matches against Northern Iowa and Drake, the Redbirds got their fire back defeating I-74 rivals, Bradley 3-0.

Coach Allie Matters spoke on how the team’s performance against the Panthers and Bulldogs did not affect its preparation for facing the Braves.

“I mean, we knew that UNI and Drake was going to be tough and we were super disappointed by the Drake loss,” Matters said. “We just, made too many errors and I wouldn’t even say it just wasn’t our night. We couldn’t execute at a high enough level, to take that match.”

Matters went on to discuss how the team turned the page heading into the match against Bradley.

“So I think the Bradley match, like to me, was a response to that,” Matters said.

Illinois State only had two days of practice going into facing Bradley which is considered out of routine for them. Matters highlighted the second match against Bradley in which Illinois State won 25-8.

A standout from the Bradley match was Oliwia Caputa, who recorded 13 kills. Matters praised Caputa’s presence on the team. Known as “Cappy” by her teammates and coaches, Caputa has become a reliable player for the Redbirds.

“She is such a constant for us since she plays all six rotations,” Matters said.  “So I think we have learned that we can rely on her in really, really, big moments”.

Looking ahead at the match against Indiana State, the coaching staff is focused on finding ways to minimize errors, especially late in matches. With the Redbirds holding an all time record of 73-10 against the Sycamores and having won seven consecutive matches in the series, it’s important for the team to stay level headed.

“It’s like respecting every single opponent no matter what,” Matters said. “We’ve done really well against Indiana State historically and for the past however many years, but that’s all it take is for one match, one series, to flip that script and we know that. So our team knows better like anyone on any night in the Missouri Valley can beat anyone.”

Coach Matters went on to say that she is looking forward to the match while emphasizing the importance of focus and being ready to compete.

The final topic Matters discussed was her appreciation for the support the Redbirds have received from their fans.

“I just think that like our fans are doing such a great job of just creating like such a good environment,” Matters said. “From like the band, the cheerleaders, and just everybody. It’s nice to create this buzz like, oh my gosh, volleyball is doing so well, so we just appreciate everyone’s support.”

Illinois State will host the Indiana State Sycamores, Friday, Oct. 9, at CEFCU Arena.

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