Illinois State women’s volleyball claims second straight MVC tournament title
NORMAL, Ill. (BVM) — The Illinois State women’s volleyball team entered the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) tournament as the No. 1 seed, and left as champions.
The Redbirds got started in the tournament last Thursday with a three-set win over eight-seeded Indiana State. They would continue their dominance with a stellar four-set victory over Bradley on Friday.
Saturday, Illinois State did battle with Loyola Chicago in the championship. Sydney Holt was a star in the first set of the contest, helping the Redbirds take the lead with a 25-14 win. Sarah Kushner sealed the second set which was again won 25-14 by the Redbirds.
The Ramblers did not go down without a fight, however, as they closed the third set on a 9-2 run to win it 25-20. But the Redbirds responded in what was a tight, back-and-forth final set that ended 25-22 in favor of Illinois State.
𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 2⃣ 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊
Illinois State wins the @MVCsports tournament title in dramatic fashion and will be making its third-straight trip to the @NCAAVolleyball tourney! #BackTheBirds // #DareToLead pic.twitter.com/sxzJ9AdJlB
— Illinois State Volleyball (@RedbirdVB) April 4, 2021
Kaylee Martin led the way in the contest for the Redbirds, and she was named most valuable player of the tournament. Holt and Stef Jankiewicz also joined Martin in making the all-tournament team.
The win led the Redbirds to their 12th MVC tournament title all-time, and gave them an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. Over the weekend, they learned they will be taking on UNLV in the first round on Wednesday, April 14.
𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 ‼️💃
Illinois State will take on UNLV in the first round in Omaha on April 14!#BackTheBirds // #DareToLead pic.twitter.com/n82PKo0VPq
— Illinois State Volleyball (@RedbirdVB) April 4, 2021
UNLV has had a stellar year thus far, going 12-0 on the season which is the best start in program history.
The tournament will be the 16th for the Redbirds’ program, and is the third consecutive appearance for the team — something they have not accomplished since the late 1990s.
Illinois State will be looking to turn some of its tournament fortunes around this year, as the Redbirds have gone just 3-15 all-time, with their last win coming against Marquette in 2014.
UNLV may be a tough draw, but this experienced Redbirds squad has the makings for a deep tournament run, and will hope to carry over the momentum gained this past weekend.
