Illinois volleyball has held its own this season so far. The team holds a record of 14-6 overall with a 6-4 conference record in the highly competitive Big Ten conference. The Big Ten is nationally regarded as the strongest volleyball conference, with multiple top-ranked programs that bring challenges to any opponent.
Illinois has already faced some of the best teams in the Big Ten. They took on Nebraska, the No. 2 team in the country, and lost in a 3-0 straight set. However, defeat does not hold Illinois down. The team’s resilience showed as they took a great victory over Iowa with a 3-0 set in their match after Nebraska.
History was made on the road this week, by graduate student outside hitter Raina Terry. Terry earned the title and record of all-time points for Illinois. This is a huge accomplishment for Illinois volleyball and Terry herself. Terry is someone who seeks a professional career, and she is on the right path to achieving that.
Terry led Illinois with 18 kills alongside five blocks against Iowa. Sophomore middle blocker Cari Bohm helped seal the deal and matched Terry’s five blocks.
Illinois will face Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois on Nov. 7., who stands at 4-14 overall with a 2-8 conference record. The Wildcats are now on a three-game losing streak after thier loss against Indiana. This should ideally be an easy win for Illinois to add to their record.
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Returning home after the match against Northwestern, Illinois will face Wisconsin. Another top-10 ranked team, No. 7 Wisconsin, holds a record of 15-4 overall and 9-1 in conference play.
Wisconsin is a very dominant squad. It has swept teams in 3-0 straight sets, portraying high skill level and consistency.
Wisconsin will definitely be a challenge for Illinois. But, with great contributions from players like Terry and junior star setter Brooke Mosher, Illinois could pull out an upset, especially with having a home-court advantage.
Illinois women’s volleyball against Northwestern will be live-streamed on Big Ten Plus or available to listen to on the Fighting Illini website on Nov. 1. at 7 p.m.
Lexie Breymeyer
