Illinois volleyball started its season on the right foot last Saturday, rallying for a 3-1 victory over Northern Illinois. The win was Illinois’ 11th straight against Northern Illinois and made the all-time series 18-3-1 in favor of Illinois. The upperclassmen duo of senior hitter Raina Terry and junior hitter Kayla Burbage shone bright, with their 19 and 14 respective kills being game-highs to go along with eight digs and three blocks from Terry.
There is much less of a storied history between Illinois and their next opponent, Valparaiso. Meeting for the first time in 2021, this season’s contest will be Valparaiso’s first opportunity to even the count after Illinois’ 3-0 victory in round one.
Valparaiso is coming to Champaign with three matches under its belt, compared to just one for Illinois. All three came at the EIU Volleyball Invitational last weekend, where the Beacons’ only loss came at the hands of the host. A recent loss to Eastern Illinois is something Illinois has in common with Valparaiso, although Illinois has the fortune of it occurring during an unofficial exhibition match.
Every Illini who played against the Huskies participated in all four sets, an impressive commitment to consistency across sets. There was an encouraging balance of class among Illinois’ players as well: three underclassmen, four upperclassmen and two graduates. Libero Lily Barry was the only true freshman to play, and it was clear why she had earned her role. As Illinois’ leading server, Barry had just one serving error through a team-high 23 attempts while also dropping in three service aces.
The debuts were not just limited to Barry. Redshirt freshmen blocker Cari Bohm and setter Bianca May made their collegiate first appearances while graduate defensive specialist Vanessa Pan played her first collegiate match outside of Columbia’s blue and white.
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Nearly half of Illinois’ rotation were making debuts, yet one could not be blamed for being none the wiser based on the team’s performance. The season is still young and powerhouses of the Big Ten loom in the distance, but Illinois’ mix of youth and experience is off to the right start.
Illinois and Valparaiso will serve at 6 p.m. in Huff Hall for Illinois’ second match of the season and 2023 home opener. The match will be streamed on B1G+ in addition to Illinois’ radio broadcast.
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