NORMAL, Ill. – The UIC volleyball team swept Ohio, 3-0, to end the Red & White Invitational on a high note. The Flames' victory Saturday came after the team dropped a 3-1 decision to the tournament hosts, Illinois State, earlier in the day.
 
Martina Delucchi led the Flames in both matches Saturday, recording a pair of double-doubles on the day. The outside hitter finished with a team-leading 19 kills to go along with 16 digs against the redbirds before leading the team once again with 10 kills while adding 10 digs in the victory over the Bobcats.
 
After pushing the Redbirds to extra points in the opening set, Illinois State took a 1-0 lead with a 29-27 victory. UIC evened the match at 1-all in the ensuing set, as the Flames secured a 25-23 decision. In a pivotal third set, Illinois State pulled away thanks to a closing 6-2 run to pick up the 25-19 victory. For the second time in the match, extra points were needed in the fourth set as Illinois State claimed the match with a 29-27 victory.
 
The Flames rebounded in the nightcap, sweeping Ohio in three straight sets. UIC cruised to a 25-18 victory in the opening set before being pushed in the final two sets. The Flames led 24-21 in the second set before consecutive points by the Bobcats forced a UIC timeout. Delucchi ended the Ohio threat with a kill to put UIC up 2-0 in the match.  UIC needed an extra point to complete the sweep after Ohio tied the match at 24-all. Becca Oldendorf and Mikala Henderson connected on back-to-back kills to seal the victory for the Flames.
 
UIC will make its home debut next Friday and Saturday, hosting the UIC Invitational.
 
Facts and Figures

• Paola Santiago fell one dig shy of matching a career high in the match against Illinois State, finishing with 21 digs against the redbirds.
• Santiago was one of two Flames to record a double-double against the Redbirds. She finished with 17 kills to go along with her 21 digs while Delucchi added a team-high 19 kills while picking up 16 digs.
• Delucchi finished with a pair of double-doubles on the night, adding 10 digs and 10 kills in the nightcap.
• Morgan Kull finished with 20+ assists in both matches, handing out 24 helpers against Illinois State before dishing out 21 assists.