Illinois’ (12-8, 7-4) losing streak has gone from bad to worse following its third consecutive sweep loss. After its fourth conference loss of the season, Illinois dropped to fifth in the Big Ten standings. Sunday gives the Illini a chance to make amends to their 3-3 home record.
Huff Hall will feature a sellout crowd as the Illini host the Iowa Hawkeyes (12-11, 3-8). The Illini return home after a mid-week road trip for a pivotal match during Dads Weekend.
Faltering in key areas
The Illini have struggled with blocking in their attack over the past few games. Their last three games represent three of their four worst blocking games this season.
A misfiring offense adds to the jeopardy as the Illini have failed to surpass 20 points in four of their last nine sets. Over the past three matches, redshirt sophomore outside hitter Taylor de Boer has led the team with 44 kills. Second is freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo with 21.
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Stumbling Hawkeyes
Fortunately for Illinois, it runs into a relatively easier opponent. After winning its first conference game, Iowa lost seven in a row to start Big Ten play 1-7.
It dropped a game to Oregon and is 1-1 against Michigan State this year. Illinois secured wins against both earlier this season. Iowa most recently lost to Northwestern Friday on the road. The Illini swept the Wildcats in Evanston in mid-October.
The Hawkeyes are hard on offense with 1,165 kills already. Their serve game is where the Illini can capitalize. The Illini have one more ace in three fewer games with fewer errors. Blocking will have to make a return for Illinois, as Iowa has 2.33 blocks per set compared to Illinois’ 2.1.
Resetting at home
One theme for Illinois this year has been forgetting about losses and moving on. That is what the team will look to do Sunday. The Illini have also talked about how much energy Huff Hall can create towards winning, and the sellout crowd will bring that and more. With nine games to go in conference play, there is no better time to make a run to the finish line.
“Every game is going to be a challenge,” Aguayo said after the loss against Michigan. “We’re just going to have to fight for every game. I think just resetting and focusing on our next game and our next opponents and not dwelling on this loss and just moving on.”
