Oct. 9, 2013

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Opponents:
Indiana State - Friday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.
Illinois State - Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m.
Site:
Fri. - Redbird Arena
Sat. - ISU Arena
Location:
Fri - Normal, Ill.
Sat. - Terre Haute, Ind.
Live Stats: Indiana State |
Live Video: Saturday - Bears All-Access

Missouri State (10-7, 2-3 Missouri Valley Conference) hits the road again this week to visit Indiana State (7-9, 1-4) at 6 p.m. Friday and Illinois State (12-4, 5-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday. After playing the ISUs, the Bears return home for the remainder of October, hosting five matches at Hammons Student Center to finish the month.

The Opponents
Indiana State is 7-9 overall and 1-4 in MVC play with its league win coming against Evansville. The Sycamores are led by Morgan Dall and her MVC-best 4.33 kills per set, and hit .189 as a team compared to .201 for the opposition with averages of 12.19 kills, 1.16 aces, 15.38 digs and 1.97 blocks per set.
Illinois State is 12-4 overall and unbeaten at 5-0 in conference play entering its Friday showdown with MVC co-leader Wichita State. The Redbirds boast a balanced offense with five players averaging at least 2.2 kills per set, and hit .239 as a team with a league-best .142 opponent attack efficiency. Illinois State averages 12.97 kills, 1.12 aces, 15.45 digs and 2.33 blocks per set.

The Series
Missouri State leads the all-time series with Indiana State by a 53-1 margin, with the Bears' lone loss occurring in five sets in 1994. Since then, the Bears have reeled off 39 straight wins against the Sycamores.
Missouri State has squared off with Illinois State more than any other school, and holds a 46-41 series lead in 87 all-time meetings. Missouri State has been in control of the series lately, winning 22 of the last 28 overall. The last four matches between the schools have gone five sets.