ISU poses tough match for final stop of volleyball road trip

After two weekends on the road, a travel weary Illinois volleyball team is drawing closer to a return to Huff Hall.

A pit stop in Normal, Ill., for a Tuesday matchup against Illinois State marks the final destination of the Illini's road trip.

No. 23 Illinois has not played a match at home since the State Farm Illini Classic during the last weekend of August.

Head coach Don Hardin admits his team is tired from the excessive travel, but he feels the squad is learning from the experience.

"I like the way the team's digging in and handling it. We're going to need the perseverance just around the corner in the Big Ten (season)," Hardin said. "What I really wanted to see from this team is that we're dedicated to getting better week by week, and I think I really am seeing that from them."

Junior libero Ashley Edinger agrees the squad is tired after its 2-1 weekend in Tennessee, but Edinger sees a silver lining to the long road stretch it has faced.

"I actually think it's making us a little bit stronger for later. At the end of the Big Ten season, we usually get tired and worn out," Edinger said. "It's good to have a little bit of fatigue earlier in the season, so when it happens again we'll be prepared for it."

Because of the quick turn around between matches, the Illini don't have much chance to physically correct anything from their weekend play, though they will have a chance to iron out any issues before heading into Big Ten play against Indiana on Sept. 26.

Illinois State may not be a ranked team or a Big Ten opponent, but the Illini are not taking the midweek matchup lightly.

"I expect a real fight. I mean I expect a big fight from Illinois State," Hardin said. "I know they play scrappy defense; I know they'll serve well. In the past, they've given us a lot of trouble."

Leading the way for the Redbirds is junior outside hitter Peggy Riessen, who has 136 kills and 99 digs this season, while hitting .275. Riessen's scoring counterpart is sophomore outside hitter Mallory Leggett, who has accumulated 125 kills and 100 digs.

Illinois State enters the match 6-4 on the season, though one of its losses came against No. 1 Penn State.

The Redbirds are enthusiastic about facing another ranked opponent.

"Every team brings a new set of challenges and a different set of strengths you have to adapt to when you play a given team," Illinois State head coach Melissa Myers said. "I think we can't focus too much on (the Illini). They're a very nice team, and they're very good, but we also have a lot of things we keep working on to improve our game."

Over the weekend, the Illini worked on their serve-receive adjustments as well as offensive strategies against different blocking systems. Hardin also sees his team developing an increased level of chemistry and confidence. These improvements have Hardin thinking positively about the season and the matchup.

"Some teams will come out and get psyched up for matches and games, but not every team really is eager to put their preparation time in at getting better at something before the match," Hardin said. "This team seems willing, not just willing, but eager to do that."