NORMAL, Ill. – Gillian Gergen registered a season-high eight blocks but it wasn't enough to slow Illinois State in the Drake University volleyball team's 3-1 loss at Illinois State Monday evening.
 
The loss was the Bulldogs' second-straight loss in league play as the Redbirds earned a series sweep over the Bulldogs by set scores of 23-25, 25-17, 25-23 25-18.
 
Drake (6-3, 4-2 MVC) had 11 total blocks thanks to Gergen's efforts and six blocks from Emily Plock as well. Plock also had a team-high 17 kills, but the Bulldogs were held to .074 hitting in the loss. Lindsey Pliapol added 11 kills and 14 digs. 
 
Caitlyn Smith continued her strong play on offense and defense with her eighth double-double of the season thanks to 34 assists and 16 digs. She and Gergen also each had two aces.
 
Smith's serving in the first set helped turn a 19-15 deficit into a 21-19 lead as the Bulldogs rallied to claim the first set, 25-23. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the Redbirds claimed the next three sets to earn the series sweep.
 
Three Redbirds hit double-figure kills with Kaylee Martin's 17 leading the way.
 
Drake continues its season next weekend with a two-game series at Missouri State Feb. 21-22.