TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Kari Staehlin had 11 kills with a season-best .474 hitting percentage to lead Illinois State's volleyball team to a 30-15, 30-20, 20-18 sweep of host Indiana State Saturday.

The Redbirds improved to 8-9 overall and 3-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference while Indiana State dropped to 4-14 and 1-6.–;–; –;

It was Illinois State's fourth win in the last five matches and first sweep of the season.

"We were very competitive out there today," said ISU coach Sharon Dingman. "I was really pleased with the effort. We have now won two in a row at ISU Arena, which has been a black hole for us in the past.–;We need to keep the momentum going heading into what will be a challenging match against Bradley Thursday night (at Redbird Arena at 7 p.m.)"–;

Normal Community High School graduate Stephanie Roof led Indiana State with eight kills and two blocks, followed by Kelli Whitaker and Jodi Stoker with seven kills each. Kristy Cox led the Sycamores with eight digs.

The Redbirds used a dominating run in the late stages of game one. Both teams traded points the first 20 possessions before Illinois State broke a 10-10 tie with a 5-1 run.–;

After the Sycamores won two of the next four points, freshman Peggy Riessen's serving led the Redbirds on a 12-0 run to force game point at 29-14. Staehlin clinched the win two points later with her sixth kill of the game.–;Riessen had seven service aces in the game.

Illinois State never trailed in game two. The Redbirds jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Indiana State answered with a 4-1 spurt to pull within 5-4.–;The Redbirds later enjoyed leads of 8-4, 16-6 and 27-15. Game point came on an Indiana State hitting error.–;–; –;–;–;–;

In the third game, Illinois State never trailed after going ahead 3-2. The Redbirds used two 3-0 runs and two 5-0 spurts to help secure the decision. The finishing touches were supplied by three consecutive assisted blocks by M.C. Richmond and Katie Seyller.