CHAMPAIGN – Next time, Ken Haselhorst will know to arrange for a bigger bus.

Turns out the 32-seater heading to Huff Hall today from Aviston wasn't big enough to meet demand.

"I've heard there are six to 10 others coming on their own," said Ken's daughter, University of Illinois volleyball player Laura Haselhorst. "It's funny. What I would consider random people – the neighbor of one of my best friends from grade school – they're coming because it's kind of an event."

For most fans, the main event tonight at Huff Hall in the UI's home opener will be the renewal of the always-spirited rivalry with Illinois State.

But for residents of tiny Aviston in southwestern Illinois, the main attraction will be the first collegiate meeting of two of their own: sisters Laura and Kendra Haselhorst.

"I'm so excited," said Laura, a junior outside hitter. "I think at first it will seem weird, eerie, to see her on the other side of the net. But once we get past that, I think it will be really competitive."

Each attended Mater Dei High School in nearby Breese, where powerhouse volleyball teams are a tradition. Laura led the Knights to Class A state titles in 1993 and '94 before heading to the UI. Kendra was a sophomore reserve on that '94 squad, then replaced her sister in the lineup the next season on yet another state championship team.

Tonight's match never has been far from Laura's thoughts since her sister signed a letter of intent with Illinois State in February. And since each reported for training camp in August, no more than a few days goes by without one picking up the phone and calling the other.

"We're very close," Laura said. "I can honestly say she's one of my best friends. I'll be excited to see her just from the aspect that I haven't seen her in a month. We talk every few days. We've been trying to figure out pass lists for this match."

Laura's also been trying to figure out how to politely tell friends and well-wishers that the visiting will have to wait until after the match.

"I'll just have to let everybody know that I'm not being mean; I just have to focus on the game," she said.

This season, the 6-foot-2 Haselhorst has mostly been focused on learning a new position. A middle blocker in high school and during her first two seasons at the UI, she's been moved to right outside hitter.

Haselhorst wasn't quite sure what to make of it when coach Don Hardin first told her she'd be changing roles.

"I kind of had it in my head it was a demotion, like 'she's not doing well in the middle,' " Haselhorst said. "But now I love it. I think I'm a lot more effective."

Haselhorst has appeared in 10 of Illinois' 14 games during a 4-0 start. Her per-game average of 2.30 kills ranks fourth on the team, and her attack percentage of .425 is the best among the outside hitters.

Meanwhile, Kendra Haselhorst has made an immediate impact at ISU. The 6-1 middle blocker leads the Redbirds in blocks per game (1.14) and ranks second in kills (34) and attack percentage (.243).

"She's made the transition beautifully from high school to our level, learning new things and getting better every day," ISU coach Julie Morgan said. "She just fits right in and doesn't look like a newcomer."

For a time, it appeared the Haselhorsts might be teammates again. Hardin kept a close watch on Kendra's prep progress and invited her for an official visit to campus last season.

In fact, with one UI scholarship left, it came down to Haselhorst and Rantoul setter Heather Wilson. With no backup setter on his roster, Hardin decided upon Wilson.

"I was upset because I would have liked to have her come here," Laura Haselhorst said. "But when I think about it, it makes so much more sense to have Heather."

Things may have worked out for the best for Kendra, too, Laura said. By going to ISU, Kendra can develop her own volleyball identity. For too long, Laura said, Kendra has played in her older sister's shadow.

"She's always been written up and listed as my younger sister," Laura said. "The year after I left Mater Dei, she filled my spot, and all the articles mentioned that.

"By going to Illinois State and us being apart, she'll have her own opportunity and make her own way."

Jet set.

Illinois State's stamina and ability to shrug off jet lag figures to be put to the test tonight.

The Redbirds didn't arrive home from a weekend tournament in Hawaii until Tuesday morning. Then it was back on the bus today to Champaign.

"We have a very experienced group that's used to traveling constantly," said Morgan, whose roster includes four returning starters and seven letter winners. "I think they don't see this as anything other than the usual rigamarole of playing college volleyball."

ISU was 1-2 in the Wahine Challenge, defeating San Francisco and losing to Kansas State and No. 11 Hawaii.