NORMAL, Ill. -- Indiana State volleyball was held to just .035 hitting Friday night in Normal as the Sycamores dropped their match to Illinois State in three sets, 25-19, 25-10, 25-13 inside Redbird Arena.
 
With Southern Illinois dropping their contest to Loyola Friday, the Sycamores clinched a spot in the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Championship which begins next Thursday in Normal.
 
The Sycamores (9-20, 7-10 MVC) were competitive in the first set, hitting .276 in the frame, before a late run by the Redbirds helped ILS to a 25-19 set win.
 
Illinois State (19-11, 12-5 MVC) would not look back for the remainder of the match, cruising to set wins in the second and third frame. Indiana State was held to -.217 hitting in the second set; the lowest mark of the season for the Sycamores.
 
Sarah Peterson had six kills to lead the Sycamores while Laura Gross had five. Stephanie Bindernagel finished with 11 digs while Rachel Griffin had 18 assists for the Trees.
 
Illinois State won the battle at the net, finishing with eight blocks while ISU was held to just three. Ella Francis paced Illinois State with 14 kills while Juma Armando had 13.
 
The Sycamores will close out the regular season Friday at Bradley before heading to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship beginning Thanksgiving Day in Normal, Ill.
 
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.