Redbirds hand Bulldogs first in-conference loss of season

Image courtesy of goredbirds.com

NORMAL Ill.-The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Drake Bulldogs three sets to zero on the first game of the back-to-back homestand. After dominating the first set 25-19, the redbirds played clutch volleyball in sets two and three 25-22 to secure the sweep. Illinois State improves to five and four on the season while Drake falls to 6-2.

Freshman Kaitlyn Prondzinski contributed eight kills in the match, including three of the final four points in the third set to help Illinois State go on a 4-0 run to win the game. Star Kaylee Martin had an uncharacteristically inefficient game, registering a kill in only 11 of her 43 attacks. However, those 11 kills were tied for a game high with teammate Sarah Kushner.

Head Coach Leah Johnson was impressed with her squad’s execution down the stretch.

“I was pleased with our consistency,” said Johnson. “We had a couple stretches in there where we thought it was going to get away from us that we let go last weekend, and I felt we did a good job pulling it back together quicker this weekend for this match in particular, especially in set three to hold on for the win and make that big push at the end.” 

Freshman Cassie Jordan swatted a career high 6 blocks, breaking her previous record of four on February first.

The Redbirds and The Bulldogs will have a rematch tomorrow, with Illinois State looking to secure back-to-back wins against the same opponent for the first time all season. First serve is set for four p.m. This is the second of a four game homestand for the redbirds as they host Valparaiso next weekend. 

Photo courtesy: goredbirds.com