Sept. 14, 2011

SPRINGFIELD -

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Opponents: Illinois State (8-4), Friday, September 16, 7 p.m.
Indiana State (7-3), Saturday, September 17, 7 p.m.
Site: Hammons Student Center
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Radio: None
Live Audio: None
Live Stats: --
Live Video: Bears All-Access

The Missouri State volleyball team begins Missouri Valley Conference play at home this weekend with matches against Illinois State (8-4) at 7 p.m. Friday and Indiana State (7-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Bears are in the midst of a six-match homestand and also bring a three-match winning streak into Valley play.

The Opponents
Illinois State is 8-4 this season after an 0-2 start. The Redbirds are led by Shannon McGlaughlin at 3.65 kills per set and hit .202 as a team while holding opponents to a .152 hitting percentage.
ISU also averages 15.20 digs, 2.23 blocks and 1.08 aces per set.
Indiana State is 7-3 overall and takes a three-match winning streak into its Friday match at Wichita State.
The Sycamores are paced by MVC kills leader Morgan Dall at 4.91 kills per set and hit .263 as a team compared to .119 for opponents.
Indiana State averages 13.12 kills, 15.35 digs, 1.65 blocks and 1.76 aces per set.

The Series
Missouri State has squared off with Illinois State more than any other school, and holds a 43-40 series lead in 83 all-time meetings. Missouri State has been in control of the series lately, winning 19 of the last 24 overall, though the Redbirds won the final two meetings in 2010.
Missouri State leads the all-time series with Indiana State by a 49-1 margin, with the Bears' lone loss occurring in five sets in 1994. Since then, the Bears have reeled off 35 straight wins against the Sycamores.