EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (17-11, 11-6 GLVC) recorded its 11th home win after completing the three-set sweep (25-16, 25-22, 25-22) against the University of Illinois Springfield (12-15, 8-8 GLVC) Tuesday night at Screaming Eagles Arena. With the win, the Screaming Eagles also clinched a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament next week.
Sophomore outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) recorded a team-high in three categories by tallying 10 kills, eight aces, and 18.5 points to lead the Eagles on offense. Junior middle hitter Taylor Litteken (Foristell, Missouri) posted seven kills and an impressive .583 hitting percentage. Freshman outside/right side hitter Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) also posted seven kills while collecting 11 digs. USI recorded 37 kills and a .216 hitting percentage in three sets of action.
USI used an 8-0 run in the opening set to turn a 14-14 tie into a commanding 22-14 lead. Anderson accounted for six of the eights points during the 8-0 run including five aces. The Eagles hit .351 in the first frame while holding the Prairie Stars to a .211 hitting percentage to collect the nine-point win and one-set lead.
It was a back-and-forth battle between the two sides in the second set before the Eagles claimed the three-point win. Litteken racked up three kills and had three blocks in the second frame as USI increased its lead to two games. The Eagles’ defense held the Stars to a .069 attacking clip in the second set.
Illinois Springfield fought hard in the third set, but USI’s offense used strategic runs, including a 7-0 surge, to cap off the 25-22 matching-clinching win. Anderson dominated the third set with four kills and two aces, while freshman outside hitter Taya Dazey (Fort Wayne, Indiana) found success as well by slamming down four kills.
Making their mark was senior setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri), who tallied 30 assists and 11 digs, as well senior middle blocker Sidney Hegg (Menasha, Wisconsin), who had four kills and seven blocks. Dazey added six kills and nine digs.
COMING UP FOR THE EAGLES:
The Eagles return to action Saturday at 3 p.m. when they host No. 20 Lewis University in the final home game of the 2021 regular season. The Flyers (21-6, 15-1 GLVC) will travel to McKendree University for a Friday matchup before heading to Screaming Eagles Arena Saturday. USI will honor their three seniors—Cepicky, Hegg and libero Callie Gubera (Thorntown, Indiana)—prior to Saturday’s match.
