The logjam at the No. 3 spot in the Big Ten has been broken.

With the Big Ten Network cameras rolling and a crowd of over 1,000 “Orange Out” fans in Huff Hall, the Illini claimed sole possession of third place in a decisive fashion, defeating the Boilermakers in the minimum (25-18, 25-20, 25-21).

“This was definitely a big match for us. I think everyone knows that we were tied for third and everyone knew that we were going to be on the Big Ten Network, but although we all know it we can’t think about that during the match,” sophomore middle blocker Johannah Bangert said. “We had to put that all aside and just go out there and give the effort and fight hard to do our best.”

The Illini used a balanced offensive attack to pace the match. Sophomore outside hitter Laura DeBruler led the Orange and Blue with 19 kills. DeBruler dominated the first set with 10 kills while hitting .529.

“I thought tonight (DeBruler) did a really nice job mixing it up,” Hardin said. “I think she’s becoming experienced at when to go for it and when to do something different.”

Sophomore middle blocker Abby Nelson was also a force for the Fighting Illini, tallying eight kills and a service ace on the evening. Freshman outside hitter Michelle Bartsch added seven kills as the Illini hit an impressive .370 in the victory.

Blocking also played a key role in the well-rounded Illini performance. Illinois had six team blocks compared to just two for the Boilermakers, while the defense held Purdue, which never seemed to find an answer for the Illini block, to just .195 hitting.

“What did seem to stand out to me was the disparity in the blocking. We covered well, but the stuff blocks and how we responded to getting blocked occasionally was really good,” head coach Don Hardin said. “We were smart with what we did. Really in all phases of the game we did a great job tonight. This was one of the best offensive performances we’ve had all season.”

Hardin was especially proud that his squad paced the match so effectively.

“I’m most proud of this win because of the nature in which we did it,” Hardin said. “We stayed in our control.

There weren’t a lot of strings of play where we got outside ourselves and did anxious kinds of things.”

While the squad admitted they were excited after the game, especially knowing the victory had come with fans from across the country watching, the match made them more determined than ever.

“Third place is ours right now, and we just have to continue to fight to keep it like that,” Bangert said.