The Illini opened their weekend in St. Louis on a positive note on Friday as they downed the Billikens 3-1.

After falling 25-21 in the first set, Illinois returned to win the final three sets 25-20, 25-18 and 25-18 to take the match.

Once again, the Fighting Illini were led by sophomore outside hitter Laura DeBruler who tallied 14 kills and 17 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Abby Nelson added seven kills, two assists, eight blocks and an ace on the evening while hitting .385.

Illinois faces No. 3 Stanford at 1 p.m. and William & Mary at 5 p.m. Saturday.