The Lady Shocks (13-5, 6-1) travel to Indiana State (8-10, 2-4) for a 6:00 pm CT Friday match and then move on to Illinois State (12-7, 5-2) for a 1:00 pm CT Sunday match. A little different setup then the usual Friday - Saturday weekend schedule.
This weekend will wind up the first half of the Valley regular season.
The Shocks currently hold a one-half game lead over SIU who they swept at Koch Arena this past Monday in what was by far their best performance from the new lineup started 3 matches ago. In fact, it was one of their better performnce, if not the best, of the season.
Illinois State is tied with Missouri State 1 game behind the Lady Shocks.
The Redbirds have the usual disadvantage with the WSU/MSU travle pairing with two high quality opponents to prepare for and deal with. WSU and MSU on the other hand can afford to focus primarily on Illinois State in their match prep. Not that they can totally overlook Indiana State (who did take a set from UNI in Cedar Falls) but they should be able to handle business against the Sycamores as long as they stay reasonably focused. I expect Illinois State will be very tough and will be motivated. This will be a very important weekend for the Redbirds with both MSU and WSU on the menu.
The MSU and WSU matches with Illinois State will be the keep matches this weekend. UNI is on the road at Bradley and at Loyola. Loyola is a potential land mine for UNI. SIU should have no problem with Evansville their only match of the weekend.
Both Indiana State and Illinois State matches will be streamed on ESPN3.
Shocker Match Notes and Medai Links
This weekend will wind up the first half of the Valley regular season.
The Shocks currently hold a one-half game lead over SIU who they swept at Koch Arena this past Monday in what was by far their best performance from the new lineup started 3 matches ago. In fact, it was one of their better performnce, if not the best, of the season.
Illinois State is tied with Missouri State 1 game behind the Lady Shocks.
The Redbirds have the usual disadvantage with the WSU/MSU travle pairing with two high quality opponents to prepare for and deal with. WSU and MSU on the other hand can afford to focus primarily on Illinois State in their match prep. Not that they can totally overlook Indiana State (who did take a set from UNI in Cedar Falls) but they should be able to handle business against the Sycamores as long as they stay reasonably focused. I expect Illinois State will be very tough and will be motivated. This will be a very important weekend for the Redbirds with both MSU and WSU on the menu.
The MSU and WSU matches with Illinois State will be the keep matches this weekend. UNI is on the road at Bradley and at Loyola. Loyola is a potential land mine for UNI. SIU should have no problem with Evansville their only match of the weekend.
Both Indiana State and Illinois State matches will be streamed on ESPN3.
Shocker Match Notes and Medai Links
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