Aces to face Indiana State on Saturday
Mildrelis Rodriguez and Rachel Tam recorded eight kills apiece as the University of Evansville volleyball team dropped a 3-0 match to Illinois State on Friday evening at the Carson Center.
Tam notched eight kills in 17 attempts and hit .294 to lead the Purple Aces (4-15, 0-6 MVC) while Rodriguez matched her tally with 8. Olivia Goldstein had 10 digs while Erlicia Griffith chipped in four block assists. Jaelyn Keene led the Redbirds (12-6, 5-1 MVC) with 13 kills while Ali Line finished the night with 10.
Illinois State opened the night with a 25-12 win. They jumped out to a 6-2 lead and pushed that out to 22-9 as Jaelyn Keene had five kills in the frame. Erlicia Griffith notched a pair of block assists as UE cut the gap to ten, but ISU was able to come back for the win.
Evansville notched the first point of the second game, but Illinois State scored six of the next seven to take a 6-2 advantage. The Aces fought back as a Rachel Tam kill helped the Aces get back within three at 10-7. Five in a row by ISU made the difference as they went up 15-7. The Aces continued to fight back as Tam helped the Aces get back within six before the Redbirds finished with the 25-18 victory. Tam notched six kills in the set.
After ISU notched the opening three tallies of the third frame, the Aces got on the board and battled back to get within two at 5-3. From there, Illinois State took control, going up 15-6. Rodriguez notched a pair of kills to end the rally, but ISU rolled to a 25-13 win to clinch the match.
Tomorrow, the Aces welcome Indiana State to the Carson Center for a 7 p.m. match.
