CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – A historic season came to a close for the Indiana State volleyball team as it fell in straight sets (16-25, 19-25, 20-25) to Wichita State in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament quarterfinals at McLeod Center on Thursday.
Sophomore middle blocker Kynedi Nalls led the Sycamores with nine kills on a .533 hitting percentage (9-1-15) while sophomore outside hitter Melody Burdette added eight kills (8-5-18). Junior middle blocker Cassandra Willis added a .312 clip with seven kills (7-2-16).
The Sycamores complete one of the best season in school history despite the loss, as the 17-14 overall record is the first winning record since 1982. ISU also made its first appearance in the conference tournament since 2011 and posted a 9-9 record in the league, the best since 2003.
“I am really proud of our team this season,” ISU head coach Traci Dahl-Skinner said. “Tonight's match was not indicative of how our season was overall. We are so thrilled to have worked our way back to the tournament and we know the future is bright at Indiana State.”
ISU hit just .160 on the night, posting its best percentage in set three with a .290. All-MVC selection Bree Spangler finished the night with just four kills as she didn't play in the final set due to an injury.
Thomas started set one off with a block but it turned into all Shockers, as ISU couldn't overcome a .071 hitting percentage. Back-to-back Willis kills cut the deficit to two but another 7-2 run separated the match as a Ashlyn Driskill error made it 14-7.
Three straight points by the Sycamores which featured two Burdette kills kept the set close, 14-21 but Wichita State rattled off a kill by setter Emily Hiebert and attack error by ISU finished off the opening frame.
A stuff block by Willis and Burdette kept ISU in set two, trailing by just three. A Shocker attack error kept ISU within two, 9-11, but a four point run opened up the set.
A kill by Spangler late in the set kept ISU within four but a 3-1 run closed the second frame for the Shockers, 25-19.
ISU came out hot after the break, taking an early 8-4 lead on a Willis kill. Griffin's ace made it 11-7 in Indiana State's favor but the Shockers would battle back with four straight points to knot the game at 11-11.
Exchanging five ties and two lead changes, ISU fell behind after two Burdette attack errors and trailed 15-18. The Sycamores came within one on two occasions, on kills by Thomas and Nalls. However, Wichita State rallied for the final five points for the 25-20 win.
For the latest information on the Sycamore Volleyball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
