Southern Illinois stands as the Illini volleyball teams first task in the 2015 NCAA Tournament on Friday. The Illini hold an 18-12 edge against the Salukis all-time. The two faced each other last season at the Illini Classic — Illinois prevailed 3-0.

This is Illinois’ 23rd trip to the tournament in program history, and the seventh in the past 10 years. Illinois entered as the No. 9 seed last season and lost in the Sweet 16 to the Florida Gators in five sets (22-25. 25-21, 25-22, 17-25, 14-16).

The Illini are 36-21 all-time in postseason play. Friday’s match is slated for 4 p.m.

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