NORMAL, Ill. – Drake volleyball (8-5, 1-0) opened the conference portion of their 2023 schedule with a 3-1 victory over Illinois State (2-11, 0-1). The Bulldogs rebounded after dropping the opening set to win the match 25-27, 25-19, 25-15, 25-17.
Illinois State and Drake traded blows to open the match until a 5-0 Redbird run gave the hosts an 11-7 lead. Drake was able to regain the lead midway through the match at 17-15 but could not finish down the stretch. The Bulldogs eventually earned a slim edge late in the set with a 25-24 lead before another 3-0 Illinois State rally clinched the 27-25 set win.