Despite an aggressive 8-0 jump in the first match, the NIU volleyball team lost to Illinois State in a four-game decision Monday in Bloomington.

With a disappointing .073 team hitting percentage, the 6-4 Huskies were shot down by the 7-2 Redbirds in 15-9, 15-4, 14-16, 15-9 matches.

Sophomore Julie Kreiling paced NIU in kills with 10. Senior middle blocker Cathy Holmes trailed with eight kills and senior setter Beth Glisk chipped in five.

Tammy Siverly carried the Redbirds to a victory with 11 kills in 23 attempts for a .304 spiking percentage.

Following the Huskie’s 8-0 spree in the match opener, the Redbirds’ dominating defense rebelled, only allowing NIU one more point.

ISU’s offenive attack took command in the second match for a win, which inspired the Huskies to create a battle and fight for the win in the third match. But there was no stopping the Redbirds in the fourth.

The Huskies return to the road Friday for the 7 p.m. contest at Western Illinois.

Despite an aggressive 8-0 jump in the first match, the NIU volleyball team lost to Illinois State in a four-game decision Monday in Bloomington.

With a disappointing .073 team hitting percentage, the 6-4 Huskies were shot down by the 7-2 Redbirds in 15-9, 15-4, 14-16, 15-9 matches.

Sophomore Julie Kreiling paced NIU in kills with 10. Senior middle blocker Cathy Holmes trailed with eight kills and senior setter Beth Glisk chipped in five.

Tammy Siverly carried the Redbirds to a victory with 11 kills in 23 attempts for a .304 spiking percentage.

Following the Huskie’s 8-0 spree in the match opener, the Redbirds’ dominating defense rebelled, only allowing NIU one more point.

ISU’s offenive attack took command in the second match for a win, which inspired the Huskies to create a battle and fight for the win in the third match. But there was no stopping the Redbirds in the fourth.

The Huskies return to the road Friday for the 7 p.m. contest at Western Illinois.