Redbirds Rally in Florida: Illinois State Volleyball Gains Momentum Ahead of MVC Play
Written by Cason Schingoethe on September 23, 2024
Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Volleyball saw a weekend of success in Florida, raising their overall season record to (5-8) as they look ahead to the beginning of MVC play this weekend.
After a rough road trip to Wisconsin last week, the Redbirds went to Florida with purpose and came away with key victories, including their first sweep of the season, as they beat Stetson University (3-0). Though ISU did not emerge victorious, they fought tooth and nail against host Florida Atlantic and took them to the limit, eventually losing in 5 thrilling sets.
Illinois State dominated Stetson University, nearly tripling them in kills in the match (51-21). Leading the way for the Redbirds was Khenedi Guest, who had at least 14 kills in all of the Redbirds matches this weekend, as she begins to cement herself as an early frontrunner for MVC newcomer of the year.
Illinois State has started to come into its own in the last few matches, and as conference play looms ahead, there is no better time for the Birds to begin to play their best ball.
A big step in their improved play has been a massive jump in successful shot-making. Whereas last week, the Redbirds hit as low as .058, they led every single match they played this weekend in hitting percentage, capping off the weekend with an impressive .293 hitting percentage in the final match against Mercer.
One area the Redbirds will look to improve is their upfront defense. They are still having a bit of trouble adjusting to life without defensive cornerstones like Cassie Jordan and Emily Weber. In place of the two graduated redbirds, Khenedi Guest and Maggie McCrary have stepped up in a big way as they try to find consistency on defense.
Next, ISU will put non-conference play behind them as Murray State looms in the distance as the Redbirds’ first MVC match of the year. The Redbirds return home to the CEFCU arena for the first time since earlier this month.
The Redbirds came into this season ranked No. 4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, and it is now time to prove to the rest of the conference why they were deserving of that title. In a much better place at the beginning of conference play this season than last, the Birds are looking ahead to MVC play.
