The Indiana State volleyball team fell short of a victory after a tough fight against Illinois State University last Thursday.  ISU took set one, but could not hold on.  The Sycamores lost 1-3; final set scores 25-16, 21-25, 23-25, and 23-25.

Illinois State put the first point on the board for set one, but ISU fought back with two kills, one by freshman middle blocker Samantha Kersting and one by junior middle blocker Shea Doran, both assisted by senior setter Shelbi Fouty.  The Redbirds took the lead at 4-7, but the Sycamores fought back with a five point rally putting them in the lead at 9-7.  The rally consisted of three errors by the Redbirds, a kill by senior middle blocker Stacy Qualizza, and a service ace by sophomore outside hitter and right side Molly Murphy.  ISU kept it up with a four point rally including two errors by the Redbirds and two kills by sophomore outside hitter Monique Morris assisted by Doran, bringing the score to 15-9.  The Sycamores finished out set one with a kill by Qualizza assisted by Fouty, final set score 25-16.

Set two stayed close tying three times.  A kill by Kersting, three Redbird errors, and a kill by Qualizza put ISU in the lead 5-3.  Illinois State fought back with a six point rally, putting them in the lead 5-9.  ISU stopped the rally with a kill by Qualizza and a block by Fouty and Qualizza.  The Sycamores fought to the end.  With a kill by Doran, a kill by Kresting, and a Redbird error ended ISU's score at 21.  Illinois State finished set two with a 3 point rally.  Final set score, 21-25, Illinois State.

The Redbirds led all of set three, but never pulled away more than three points.  ISU's first point came from a block by Doran and Kersting.  ISU is last three points came from a Qualizza kill, a service ace by sophomore setter Loni Mackinson, and a Redbird error.  ISU came within one at 23-24 but could not pass the Redbirds.  Illinois State won set three; final set score 23-25.

ISU started set four down 0-5.  The Sycamores scored three points, one kill by Kersting and two errors by the Redbird, before Illinois State jumped to a 3-12 lead.  ISU fought back with a three point rally consisting of a Redbird error, a kill by Morris, and a kill by Qualizza; followed by a two point rally including a kill by Qualizza and Morris ,bringing the Sycamores within five at 8-13.  ISU was down 11-17 before a three point rally including a kill by Qualizza, a kill by Fouty and another three point rally, including a Mackinson and Morris kill brought ISU within one at 17-18.  ISU's last point came from a kill by Murphy assisted by Mackinson.  Illinois State took set four at 23-25 and the game at 1-3.  

Qualizza led the team with 16 kills, followed by Morris at 10.  Fouty led with 35 assists and senior defensive specialist Kiya James led with 22 digs.  

This brings ISU to a record of 10-10 on the season and 2-7 in the Missouri Valley Conference.   

The Sycamores travel to Illinois this Friday to take on Bradley Univeristy.  Then on Saturday they travel to Iowa to take on Northern Iowa.  Both games start at 8 p.m.