DES MOINES, Iowa – Illinois State volleyball (4-9, 0-1 MVC) fell 0-3 at Drake (6-3, 1-0 MVC) on Friday night inside the Knapp Center to open Missouri Valley Conference play.
Drake jumped out to a five-point advantage early on in set one before the 'Birds were able to battle back to within one behind a pair of back-to-back service aces from senior Carley Nicholson. The Bulldogs would answer with a 5-1 run and their defense would never allow Illinois State back within two, going on to win set one, 25-20.
The Redbirds were on fire to start set two, going on a 5-0 run to start the set and force a Drake timeout.