Happy Monday, Aces! #SupportYourSport, UE Athletics annual week of giving, begins today and runs through Friday! Make a gift to support your favortie team(s), student-athletes, or coaches. There's friendly competition as well, with the prorgam that raises the most money winning a special prize from Prez P that includes dinner and Nike swag.

Give online at uealumnionline.com/supportyoursport

We are inviting you to participate in a research study.

Your participation in this online survey is completely voluntary. If you decide to participate in the survey, you are free to withdraw at any time without any negative effect on you relations with the University or the School of Health Sciences. This consent form will give you information about the study to help you decide whether this is of interest to you.

This study aims to understand how emissions from super polluters, in leading to poor air quality, affect the health outcomes and overall quality of life for the community at the University of Evansville, the research and creation of a survey will assess the extent of these health risks in this population. We are asking you to participate because you have been living in the Evansville area.

Although the results of this study may be published, no information that could identify you will be included. This study will pose limited risk for you, such as psychological harm to those who feel pollution has affected their mental health. The information that will be collected will stay between our study group, and faculty advisor.

https://survey.evansville.edu/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=82M3687K&Preview=true#. 

In September 2025, a review team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) will visit the university as part of our reaffirmation of accreditation. To learn more about the criterion on which UE will be evaluated, please take a moment to watch the following video guides.

HLC Criterion 1 | Mission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJYe4poqk-Q

HLC Criterion 2 | Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEcGIsTJRmU

HLC Criterion 3 | A-D Teaching and Learning for Student Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4M_MgYDQDg

HLC Criterion 3 | E-G Teaching and Learning for Student Success
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJAb7We7y6M

HLC Criterion 4 | Sustainability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ4quibQzaQ

HLC Federal Compliance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fIP_9MOi0E

Jazz Cats Unite!

Hey cool cats, mark your calendars because this coming Tuesday night at 7:30 pm, the place to be is Wheeler Concert Hall, where the jazz is smooth, the vibe is electric, and the rhythm’s gonna make your feet move! Get ready to be transported to a world of swingin’ sounds and soulful grooves as the one and only UE Jazz Ensemble takes the stage.

These cats know their way around a tune – with blazing horns, thumping bass lines, and riffs so smooth they’ll melt in your ears. Whether you’re a long-time jazz lover or new to the scene, these players are guaranteed to sweep you up in the beat. From Ellington and Buddy Greco, to Patty Darling and Bob Curnow, the UE Jazz Ensemble is serving up a set list that’ll make you feel every note, every harmony, and every pulse.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the night’s magic – join the party, bring your friends, and let’s make it a Tuesday to remember. See you there!

All students are invited to connect with area nonprofit organizations at an upcoming nonprofit fair happening on Tuesday, November 12, 12:20 - 1:10 in the SOBA Atrium.

This career fair style event is the perfect opportunity to connect with nonprofit organizations and learn about volunteer, internship, and job opportunities in the Evansville area. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance; please RSVP by November 11 by emailing Megan Conapinski at mt263@evansville.edu.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series featuring Sebastian Junger!

Thursday, November 14

7:00 p.m.

Shanklin Theatre

Sebastian Junger is the internationally acclaimed, best-selling author of WAR, The Perfect Storm, A Death in Belmont, and Fire. He is also the acclaimed director of the documentary films Restrepo and Korengal. As a contributing editor to Vanity Fair and as a contributor to ABC News, he has covered major international news stories and has been awarded the National Magazine Award and a SAIS Novartis Prize for Journalism.

Junger’s latest book, In My Time Of Dying, is part medical drama, part searing autobiography, and part rational inquiry into the ultimate unknowable mystery. For years as an award-winning war reporter, Junger traveled to many front lines and frequently put his life at risk. And yet the closest he ever came to death was the summer of 2020. Crippled by abdominal pain, Junger was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Once there, he began slipping away. As blackness encroached, he was visited by his dead father, inviting Junger to join him. That was the last thing Junger remembered until he came to the next day and was told he had suffered a ruptured aneurysm that he should not have survived. This experience spurred Junger — a confirmed atheist raised by his physicist father to respect the empirical — to undertake a scientific, philosophical, and deeply personal examination of mortality and what happens after we die.

Junger became a fixture in the international media when, as a first-time author, he commanded the New York Times best-seller list for more than three years with The Perfect Storm, which became a major motion picture starring George Clooney.

Join the UE Venturing Crew for a night of indoor rock climbing at Vertical eXcape! From 8pm to midnight on Saturday November 16th, students will get to climb, boulder, and repel in a completely safe and fully staffed environment. All gear, harnesses, and safety equipment will be provided, and safety instructions and training are provided with attendance. Pizza will also be available for dinner, and both university transportation and carpooling will be provided. Join us for four whole hours of fun and exercise at the state's best indoor rock climbing gym!

For information on travel and RSVP, email Sam Tarter at st238@evansville.edu. Tabling to sign up will be available in Ridgway on Friday November 8th, Monday November 11th, Wednesday November 13th, and Friday November 15th from 11am to 3pm.

MONDAYS            3-4 PM

TUESDAYS             7-8 PM

WEDNESDAYS       7-8 PM

THURSDAYS          3-4 PM

SEMINAR ROOM 462

NOVEMBER 4^TH TO 21^ST

CALLING ALL ASPIRING WRITERS, be they majors, non-majors, experienced, green, casual, or professional! The National Novel Writers’ Month Challenge is a customizable writing challenge anyone can attempt that spans the month of November. Find more detailed information at https://nanowrimo.org/. Set your goal and write away! Join any Write-In over at the UE Libraries for an encouraging space to write and help foster a community of fellow writers.

Soupapalooza will be held Tuesday, November 5 in Eykamp Hall. Come out and sample some wonderful soups made by our SAA members and choose your favorite. You can purchase a bowl of your favorite soup and dessert for $5.

Soup and dessert will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We are looking for some great SAA cooks to make soups and desserts for Soupapalooza. Sign up here to make a soup and/or dessert.

All proceeds from Soupapalooza will go to support student scholarships and the SAA general fund.

The University of Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame is upcoming on Nov. 9th. This year's incredible class of inductess includes Daryl Buente '72 (Equipment Manager), Tim Ernst '91 (Men's Soccer), Krista McKendree-Board '02 (Women's Soccer), and Talmadge Vick Sr. '58 (Football). The event will be held at 6:30pm at Evansville Country Club. Tickets are $150 and include dinner, drinks, dessert and the program. Tickets can be purchased online at uealumnionline.com/hof24. For questions, contact Ted McCoart at tm301@evansville.edu or 812-488-2512.

About the Inductees

(Please see email to Noah Alatza and Abbie Perry on 10/22 for about information on each inductee)

https://gopurpleaces.com/news/2024/8/29/general-releases-2024-ue-athletics-hall-of-fame.aspx.

New employees in need of a headshot may have theirs taken on Tuesday, November 5, at 9:30 a.m. Headshots will be taken near the southwest corner of the front oval lawn. To be added to the list, please contact Julie Beer at jb855.

UE is once again proud to host the Southern Regional Competition for We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution. On Wednesday, November 6, we will welcome 12 schools (both high school and middle school) to campus as they work to earn a place at Indiana's State Finals. We need volunteers for the following shifts. If interested and available, email Robert Lopez, RL138@evansville.edu. No experience needed for any shift!

8:30am - 9:45am - Greeter (4 needed): Stand outside SOBA and Hyde Hall on the circle and Rotherwood sides, welcome the teams as they arrive and help them get to their classrooms. Purple UE scarf provided (must be returned), UE casual attire.

11:30am - 12:00pm (4 needed): Lunch guide. Stand outside their hearing rooms as they finish their rounds, then guide them to Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center, for lunch. Serving as an Ambassador for UE on the way. UE casual attire.

A new episode of Julian Shellnutt's "The Couch" Podcast is out and on this episode, Julian talks about NFL week 9 predictions, Anthony Richardson benching and more. Tune in to hear all about what Julian has to say!

Attention faculty, staff, and students! You could win amazing prizes like Ace Bucks, a Portable Bluetooth Speaker, or a Joyful bag packed with goodies! We will select 3 lucky winners! To enter, simply complete the survey, then screenshot your finished survey and share it on our Instagram, @FoodatUE, or email it to us at kc403@evansville.edu. Don’t miss your chance to win!

UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz will join Evansville Police Department Chief Philip Smith, Executive Director of Albion Fellows Bacon Center Gina Gist, and Matthew 25 Outreach & Development Coordinator Rachel Trout to announce a significant community collaboration, involving multiple partners including a funding partnership.

A press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, in the Vectren Boardroom located on the second floor of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration. Room 270.

Get ahead by taking a Winter Intersession online course. Complete a missing required course, lighten your spring load, and take advantage of winter break. Classes are held from December 13, 2024 through January 10, 2025. Students may take one class and register when registering for spring classes starting October 28, 2024.

The Fall 2024 Purple Pack course materials program covers 2024-2025 Winter Intersession Courses.

Learn more about Winter Intersession

Winter Intersession Course List

Free, Confidential HIV and Hep C testing at the Student Health Center performed by Matthew 25 the first Wednesday of each month when school is in session from 9-11am.  No appointment necessary, all are welcome! Walmart giftcard incentives available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Congratulations to our October Employee of the Month, James McDonald! 

James is one of our Groundskeeper’s in Facilities and Physical Plant.

“James is knowledgeable and understands most landscapes and garden techniques. James uses his tools and equipment in a responsible and safe manner.

James is a valuable employee for the University in the Grounds Department. James is very knowledgeable and conscious of ensuring grounds are pleasing to visitors, employees, and students. James consistently does the little things to ensure that the landscaping beds are free of litter and weeds. We have over 80 acres of land at the University and James does a great job throughout all areas including academic, residential, and athletic spaces.

Throughout the year, but especially over the last few months, James has done a great job to ensure Memorial Garden is clean and plants are trimmed well, creating a great place for our students to relax and study.”

Submit a Nomination for Employee of the Month

Nominations for the November Employee of the Month are now open!  https://forms.office.com/r/vAHuvKJLYC

The deadline to submit your nomination is November 15.

Did you know that the Harlaxton team of staff has a Christmas party each December where the main event is a raffle of the items we have received as gifts each year?   The team eagerly awaits the unveiling of items for the raffle and gets to put their name in for the draw of each item.

UE items are always the most popular and we need some UE swag to add to the raffle this year.   What could you donate?   Anything from your collection of marketing items, something you personally make, or something special from your department.

Holly Carter will be at UE for the board meeting and can collect items to bring back to Harlaxton.  Please reach out to her at hc110 if you have something to add to the party this year.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Coming off a season that saw the University of Evansville men’s basketball team more than triple its win total from a season prior, the Purple Aces are set to open the 2024-25 season on Tuesday at North Texas.  ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast of the 7 p.m. CT contest from the Super Pit.

Ready to Roll

- Tanner Cuff saw action in all 35 games last season and made two starts, but his role is set to grow even more heading into the upcoming campaign

- In his first season with the Purple Aces, Cuff averaged 7.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game

- He had a strong exhibition tune-up, posting 12 rebounds to go along with four points versus Tiffin

- Cuff was named to the MVC All-Bench Team in March of 2024

- In last season’s home win over UIC, he recorded a career-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting

- With seven seconds remaining in overtime against UNI, Cuff knocked down a 3-pointer to give UE a 4-point lead and seal the win

- Cuff had an excellent all-around performance at Missouri State, recording 8 assists, 7 points and 7 boards

Doing it All                                                                                                         

- Tayshawn Comer gave UE fans a preview of his abilities in the exhibition contest versus Tiffin

- He recorded 16 points, 7 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds in his first time in an Aces uniform

- The Eastern Kentucky transfer averaged 7.8 points and 2.5 rebounds as a sophomore last season with the Colonels

- He completed the season 9th in the A-Sun with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.6

- Rated a 3-star recruit out of high school, Comer was named to the A-Sun All-Freshman Team in 2023

Staying in the State                                                                                                      

- After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Butler, Connor Turnbull remained in the State of Indiana with his transfer to UE

- In the exhibition game, the junior scored 15 points while hauling in 7 boards

- He converted 5 of his 10 field goal attempts and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the line

- The 4-star recruit out of high school was limited to 9 games with the Bulldogs last season but finished with 16 blocks

- As a freshman, he shot 44% from the field and 47% from outside

Scouting the Opposition

- The Mean Green have been one of the top mid-major programs in the nation over the past few seasons, making the NIT in each of the last three seasons while earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2021

- Highlighting the recent success was a 31-7 mark in 2022-23 as the Mean Green were the NIT Champions

- This will be the second meeting between the programs with the first taking place at Roberts Stadium in 1995 (58-54 UE win)

- UNT lost its top six scorers from last season as Rondel Walker is the top returner with 3.8 PPG

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the second evening in a row, the University of Evansville volleyball team earned a 5-set victory in come-from-behind fashion, defeating Bradley by a 3-2 final on Saturday at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Another spectacular night saw Giulia Cardona record 31 kills along with 10 digs.  Chloe Cline finished with eight kills while Angelica Gonzalez added seven.  Ainoah Cruz posted a match-best 21 digs while Kora Ruff tallied 35 assists and 11 digs.

Set 1 – UE 25, Bradley 22

Game one set the tone for a competitive evening.  Bradley was the first team to take a multi-point lead, going up 9-7.  Evansville rebounded with three in a row to go back. In front as Kora Ruff picked up an ace.

The turning point for the Purple Aces came after the Braves took a 19-18 lead.  UE rallied to scored five in a row as Josdarilee Caraballo tallied an ace.  A service error by BU set the Aces up with a 24-20 edge before Cardona had the clinching kill.

Set 2 – Bradley 25, UE 21

In the second set, the Braves had the early momentum, going up 9-5.  Three in a row cut the deficit to one before Bradley extended the advantage to 17-12.  Evansville continued to remain within striking distance before BU evened the match with a 4-point win.

Set 3 – Bradley 25, UE 23

A similar set took place in the third as the Braves held multiple leads while the Aces remained close.  Bradley held an 8-5 lead before a Cardona kill set UE up with a 10-9 edge.  Another kill by Cardona made it a 16-14 game before the Braves rallied back with five in a row to go up by three.  Evansville cut the deficit to 22-21, but it was BU who scored the final two to take a 2-1 match lead.

Set 4 – UE 26, Bradley 24

Multiple lead changes ensued leading to a 15-15 score.  Neither squad led by more than two until Evansville scored three in a row as Cardona registered three consecutive kills.  Once again, Bradley had the answer, retaking a 24-23 edge.  Down to its final point, UE took over and scored the final three points to force a fifth game.

Set 5 – UE 15, Bradley 10

Evansville was cranking on all cylinders to open the frame, jumping out to a 5-0 lead.  Ruff did the serving and recorded another ace.  Bradley did its best to overcome the slow start, getting within three points (9-6), but the UE attack proved to be too much.  The Aces pulled away to clinch the match with a 15-10 decision.

Next weekend, the homestand continues with matches against Belmont and Murray State on Thursday and Friday.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Friday afternoon saw the University of Evansville swimming and diving teams split their meet against USI at Wyttenbach Pool.  Evansville’s men picked up a 152.5-83.5 win while the ladies dropped a close 137-99 decision.

Patrik Vilbergsson, Carlos Souto, Daniel Santos Lopez, and Benjamin Hasanovic opened the day with a win in the 200-medley relay, finishing in 1:34.13.  Joseph Capo earned a solid win in the 200-free.  Registering a time of 1:46.36, he won by just under two seconds.  He picked up his second victory of the day in the 500-free.  His 4:51.32 was over five seconds in front of teammate Wyatt Gallas.

In the 50-free, the Purple Aces swept the top four positions with Hasanovic posting a 21.72 to best Sammy McCall’s 22.01.  Brendan Ulewicz was third with a 22.05 while Boris Tavrosky’s 22.30 was good for 4th.  Santos Lopez earned top honors in the 200-IM.  With a 1:55.63, he was six seconds in front of the runner-up.  Joao Gulherme was third, posting a 2:03.71.  In the 100-fly, Santos Lopez swam a 50.96 to best the competition by 2.31 and finished his day with a win in the 100-breaststroke, recording a 57.91.  Hasanovic was second, finishing in 1:00.37.

The top six positions in the 100-free belonged to the Aces, led by Michael Pruett’s 47.60.  McCall came in just 0.16 behind while Jakob Grundbacher took third with a 48.81.  Vilbergsson led a top three UE sweep in the 100-backstroke, finishing in 52.29.  Logan Tenison was second, 1.50 behind while Logan Anderson came in third at 55.33.  The men completed the meet with a close win in the 200-free relay.  Tenison, Pruett, McCall, and Mohammed Rashed combined to swim a 1:27.41, finishing less than a half second in front of USI.

Highlighting the day for the women was another stellar performance by Maddie Rollett.  After earning the top spot in the 1-meter with a 265.35, Rollett swept the dives with a score of 255.90 in the 3-meter.  Leah Gardner was fourth in both events, earning a 189.75 in the 1-meter before registering a 194.63 in the 3-meter.

Sveva Brugnoli took top honors in the 200-IM.  Her 2:10.17 was two seconds in front of second place while Mari Mueller took third with a 2:17.20.  Evelyn Chin led a 1-2 finish for the Aces in the 100-fly.  Chin’s 58.53 was just 0.29 in front of Brugnoli.  Ane Madina was the top finisher in the 100-backstroke.  With a 59.98, Madina bested the competition by 1.49.

Madina, Brugnoli, Rafaela Markarewicz and Rebecca Lago took second in the 200-medley relay.  The group finished in 1:48.83, just 0.31 behind the top time.  Hannah Krings was the runner-up in the 500-free.  Krings completed her race in 5:31.99.  Markarewicz and Mueller came in second and third, respectively in the 100-breaststroke.  Finishing in 1:09.42, Markarewicz took second while Mueller checked in with a 1:09.65.

Next up for the Aces is a trip to Carbondale, Ill. for the A3 Invite.  It runs from Nov. 14-16.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An early lead didn’t last for the University of Evansville men’s soccer team in a 6-1 loss to the Missouri State Bears.

Redshirt freshman midfielder Jacopo Fedrizzi (Guilia, Italy) scored his fourth goal of the season at Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium in the seventh minute. But six unanswered goals from Missouri State resulted in UE’s first loss since September.  Senior midfield Jose Vivas (Teruel, Spain) was the only Evansville player with multiple shots on Friday with two.

“We were beat by the better team tonight,” said Head Coach Robbe Tarver following the match. “We asked the team to press and they punished us for it. We won’t let one game define us. We will be ready for Belmont on Wednesday.”

It was a fast start to Friday’s match as the Bears had the first shot in the third minute. But it was the Aces who struck first as Fedrizzi had the first shot for UE and the team’s only goal. Fedrizzi found his way to the six and shot the ball past Missouri State’s goalkeeper into the middle of the net. Evansville held onto the lead for the next 27 minutes as the Bears racked up eight shots. Missouri State found the equalizer in the 34th minute as the first half ended with the match tied 1-1.

It was all Bears out of the gate in the second half with two goals in the first four minutes. The Aces pressed shortly after with back-to-back shots including a chance for senior forward Nacho Diaz Barragan (Almeria, Spain) in the 63rd minute that was saved in the middle of the net. UE had a third shot on net in the 75th minute from freshman midfielder Håkon Edstrøm (Baerum, Norway) took an attempt from just inside the 18 that was also saved.

Evansville’s final shot came from Vivas in the 76th minute to the left of the penalty area. The shot sailed just high over the crossbar. In the final 10 minutes of the match Missouri State netted three more goals starting in the 82nd minute. The Aces didn’t find the offensive end again as the Bears handed UE its first loss in over a month.

Evansville returns home for its final match of the regular season on Wednesday evening. The Aces welcome Belmont to Arad McCutchan Stadium to try and get a home win against the Bruins for the first time since 2017. Kickoff for UE’s final MVC match of 2024 is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday November 6th.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Six runners set personal records on the University of Evansville cross country teams at the Missouri Valley Conference Championships on Friday. 

Senior runner Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) led the Purple Aces with a PR and a program Top 15 time at the MVC Championships. Oulgout ran a PR of 25:08 to lead the UE men's team to a 10th place finish, improving on their 2023 finish by one place. On the women's team, Evansville's top three runners set PRs in sophomore Avery Stephens (Newburg, Ind. / Castle HS), freshman Lauren Bradley (Russiaville, Ind. / Western HS), and senior Hannah Bryan (Evansville, Ind. / Reitz HS) for a 12th place finish.

Oulgout's PR on Friday at the Championships was the 15th best 8K time in program history right behind former runner Nick Waninger 25:06 8K from 2003. Right behind Oulgout was sophomore runner Samuel Lea (Worchester, England) with a time of 25:13.3. The Aces had three other runners who finished with sub 27-minute times in sophomore Rafael Rodriguez (Sergovia, Spain) at 25:26.6, sophomore Cedrik Flipo (Beloil, Quebec) at 25:57.3, and sophomore Woody Burrell (Ceaderburg, Wis. / Ceaderburg HS) at 26:22.1. Also scoring for the UE men was freshman Kadin McAllister (Lilburn, Ga. / Parkview HS) at 27:40.4 and freshman Andrew Potter (Warsaw, Ind. / Warsaw Community HS) at 27:47.2.

On the women's side Stephens led the way with a PR of 23:07.3. In total five of Evansville's women runners set 6K PRs while in Cedar Falls. Behind Stephens was Bradley with a PR of 24:28.5 while Bryan also set a PR in her final 6K as an Ace with a time of 24:31.4. Also setting PRs for the UE women was freshman Megan Allgeier (Batesville, Ind. / Batesville HS) with a time of 26:28.9 and junior Olivia Pennington (Fort Branch, Ind. / Gibson Southern HS) with a time of 26:56.2. Evansville had three other runners score on Friday morning in sophomore Kyndall Anthis (Pakota, Ind. / Princeton Community HS) at 24:45.9, sophomore Chase Hayes (Noblesville, Ind. / Western HS) at 25:51.8, and freshman Skyler Dickenson (Brownsburg, Ind. / Brownsburg HS) at 26:48.8.

The Aces women's team ran their final race of the season at the MVC Championships. While the men's team will race again on Friday, November 15th at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in Akron, Ohio hosted by the MAC. The men's 10K race on the 15th is set to start at 12 p.m.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Trailing 2-0 on Friday, the University of Evansville volleyball team staged a furious rally to defeat Illinois State by a 3-2 final inside Meeks family Fieldhouse.

Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Giulia Cardona.  She accumulated 34 kills while hitting an unbelievable .453.  Chloe Cline and Angelica Gonzalez finished with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.  Kora Ruff registered 47 assists, 23 digs, and four service aces while Ainoah Cruz totaled 19 digs.

Set 1 – ISU 25, UE 23

After Kora Ruff opened the night with a service ace, Illinois State came back to take a 3-1 lead.  A pair of kills by Chloe Cline helped UE tie the game at 7-7 before a block from Madisyn Steele and Giulia Cardona put the Aces in front, 14-12.

The Redbirds battled back as they went up by a 21-19 score before the 7th kill of the night from Cardona was part of a run that put UE back on top at 23-22.  ISU had one final run left, scoring the final three points to take the set.

Set 2 – ISU 25, UE 19

Things were back-and-forth throughout the early moments as Cardona quickly reached double figures in kills as the score was tied at 7-7.  Illinois State was the first to establish a multi-point lead, scoring three in a row to go up 13-10.  From there, they slowly added to their advantage before winning by six points.

Set 3 – UE 25, ISU 19

Madisyn Steele picked up a pair of early solo blocks as UE jumped out to a 7-4 lead.  UE opened by scoring four of the first five before extending its lead to three.  The Redbirds countered with a 4-0 run to take their first lead at 8-7 and would extend it to 11-8.

Kora Ruff recorded her second ace of the night as the Aces rallied to tie it at 12-12 but three in a row by ISU put them back in front.  UE clawed its way back as a solo block by Chloe Cline was followed by an ace from Ainoah Cruz and a Cardona kill to put UE on top at 20-17.  After the Redbirds scored a pair, it was a kill from Cardona that reestablished a 2-point lead.  It was her 22nd kill of the night that clinched the game and forced a fourth set.

Set 4 – UE 25, ISU 17

Steele opened the set with a kill while Cruz recorded her second ace of the match to put Evansville in front at 5-1.  ISU got within a pair, but the Aces kept the pressure on.  Cardona moved past the 25-kill mark as her team took a 15-10 advantage.

It was Cardona’s serving that extended the lead even more as an ace helped UE take an 18-10 lead.  The Redbirds did not go down without a fight as they fought back as the bounced back to get within four at 21-17.  Two more Cardona kills set the Aces back on track and they would force a fifth set.

Set 5 – UE 15, ISU 7

Evansville scored the opening two points and Cardona continued the rally with three early kills to put her team in front at 4-2.  Cline added a kill that pushed the edge to 8-4.  Illinois State was unable to cut into the deficit as UE cruised to the 15-7 victory to clinch the match.  The Aces will look to sweep the weekend when they face Bradley on Saturday at 5 p.m.