Illinois (0-1) started its 2025 season on Friday in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with a 3-1 loss against South Dakota State (1-0). After ending their 2024 run in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Illini roster saw a lot of changes. The team lost a lot of experience over the offseason, and it showed in the season opener.
Close but no cookie
The scoreline read 3-1, but it was a closely fought match. Illinois followed South Dakota State intently through the first two sets, losing 25-23 and 25-22, respectively. Set one saw 12 ties and eight lead changes, the most of any set. The Illini remained within striking distance in the second set. They got as close as one point behind the Jackrabbits, but they couldn’t hold on for a win.
Down 0-2 and one set away from a loss, Illinois trailed by as many as nine in the third set. The Illini then went on an extraordinary 9-0 run powered by graduate student middle blocker Kayla Burbage, redshirt sophomore outside hitter Taylor de Boer and redshirt sophomore opposite Auburn Tomkinson.
Five aces and 14 kills helped Illinois narrowly win out the third set 25-23. But as it had been the entire afternoon, the Illini were close, but never quite ahead. The Jackrabbits won the fourth set 25-20 to seal a season opener win.
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New additions impress
Junior setter Kenna Phelan, acquired from Florida State over the summer, was the architect of many Illinois runs this match. She recorded a whopping 48 assists, one kill, two aces, eight digs and two blocks. A remarkable first game saw her fill the setter spot impressively. Illinois lost star setter Brooke Mosher to the transfer portal, but the position has promising signs in the form of Phelan.
Another new addition, Tomkinson, was one of the offensive stars on Friday. She recorded 10 kills with a 26.1 hit percentage. Friday’s match was Tomkinson’s collegiate debut, and as expected, she hit the ground running. The 6-foot-5 opposite will be key to Illinois’ offensive firepower this season.
Skill to make it big
This Illinois roster clearly has a lot of skill, and as it finds its feet, it has the potential to make it big. Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo couldn’t have asked for a better collegiate debut. She recorded 10 kills with a 33.3 hit percentage. Aguayo was solid offensively, but also recorded a team-leading 19 digs. She was a powerhouse in her first game and gave fans a lot to look forward to.
De Boer led the team with 15 kills at a very efficient 34.4 hit percentage and was one of the major driving forces behind Illinois’ third and fourth set runs.
Next challenge
The Illini next travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to face Vanderbilt (1-1) on Sunday.
