Coming off a Friday night win against Michigan State, the Illini squared off against the University of Michigan on Halloween night at Huff Hall. The Illini triumphed in three sets, bettering themselves to a 6-6 record in the Big 10 this season.
“I thought we played well”, said Coach Kevin Hambly. “I thought offensively we were good, especially after the first set.” Senior Setter Alexis Viliunas was back in the starting line-up again for Illinois, leading her team with 35 assists. “I thought we had a really balanced attack”, said teammate Michelle Strizak. “Lex did a really great job of distributing the ball. What it came down to was that our defense was awesome. We shut down a lot of good hitters.” Strizak scored 15 kills on the night, and Libero Brandi Donnelly led the Illini with 12 digs.
Illinois came into the weekend ranked #21 and hope to begin the move back up after their back-to-back victories. The Illini head to Evanston to play Northwestern this Wednesday, and the same Wildcats will travel to Champaign on Saturday, Nov. 7, to face off again at Huff.
Outside Hitter Jocelynn Birks
Outside Hitter Michelle Strizak
Coach Kevin Hambly
Middle Blocker Ali Bastianelli hits for the point.
Libero Brandi Donnelly
Outside Hitter Katie Roustio
Opposite Side Hitter Ali Stark
Defensive Specialist Julia Conard
Setter Alexis Viliunas
Broadcaster Dave Loane
Opposite Side Hitter Naya Crittenden
Illini Volleyball Alumni Courtney Abrahamovich
