The Racers fell into another losing streak after falling in both games on homecoming weekend, losing at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31 against Illinois State and again the following day at 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 against Bradley University, struggling to get past three sets in both games.
Match 1 vs Illinois State
The Racer offense had difficulty facing Illinois State, and was unable to get above 17 points in any set. The last time the Racers faced the Redbirds, Murray State snapped their 11-game losing streak against them in five sets. However, this time around, they were unable to have the same outcome as Illinois State swept them in three sets.
The Racers had an early but short-lived lead to start the match. Illinois State dominated until the end of the set in a final 25-16 score. Although the Racers struggled offensively, senior outside hitter Ella Vogel and junior outside hitter Lily Burnett had five combined kills to shorten the Redbirds score.
During the final set, the Racers efforts were insufficient as Illinois State continued to strike. Even though Vogel and Burnett continued to have outstanding attacks with six kills, the Redbirds continued their collective onslaught and outscored the Racers 25-16.
Following the second set, the Redbirds carried on the momentum with an early lead once again. The Racers attempted to catch up near the end of the set but the deficit was too large to come back from. The game ended with a 25-17 third set as the Racers offense continued to struggle, similarly to the struggles they faced as a team during their season high losing streak previously this season. Burnett accumulated eight kills while Vogel had six and junior outside hitter Alexa Watts had five.
Match 2 vs Bradley University
The Racers lost against Bradley University 3-1 earlier this season. They fell short again on Saturday, Nov. 1 in three sets.
The Racers tried to keep up with the MVC’s #7 Bradley University, but they were unable to overcome the Braves’ six first set kills. Although the set was the closest out of all three as the score was tied seven separate times, the final score of 25-16 was the largets deficit of the three sets.
The Racers took an early lead in the second set. The lead lasted until the Braves caught up 7-7 and tied it again at 10-10. The Racers were able to only get two points following the Braves lead and lost the set 25-12.
Near the end of the match, the Racers’ offense started to warm up but it was too late, causing the Braves to take the final set 25-21, evening the teams’ records against each other to 5-5 over the past 36 years.
The Racers star offensive players lacked their usual spark, Vogel and senior outside hitter Nuccio Federica carrying the team with only five kills each.
The Racers next game is against Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at Carver Arena.
