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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Drew Friberg

Drew Friberg, Sports Editor

The Illini Esports team kick off their first day of their first invitational at Statefarm Center hosted by the Esport's team on Mar. 31, 2023. Multiple Esports teams from different colleges and universities made thier apperance in Champaign-Urbana to compete in the event.

Game over: Illini Esports Invitational concludes after action-packed weekend

By Drew Friberg, Staff Writer • Apr 3, 2023
Super Smash Bros. Esport competitors practice during a break period during the first day of the invitational on Friday afternoon.

Illini Esports Invitational gets ready to game this weekend

By Drew Friberg, Staff Writer • Mar 31, 2023
Luis "SLK" Salik, junior in Engineering, stands between two teammates: Vahey “V” Mouradian, senior in LAS (left) and Adam “Osho” Tsouchlos, freshman in Engineering (right).

UI student catapults gaming career to new heights

By Drew Friberg, Staff Writer • Mar 22, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. gives directions to the rest of the team to make a play against Michigan on Mar. 2. On Wednesday, Shannon announced that he would return to Champaign for one more season.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s double-overtime victory over Michigan

By James Kim, Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • Mar 3, 2023
Illinois men’s basketball takes down Michigan in double overtime to join second place in Big Ten

Illinois men’s basketball takes down Michigan in double overtime to join second place in Big Ten

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 2, 2023
Freshman guard/forward Ty Rodgers pulls freshman guard Sencire Harris to the side after a foul around the start of the second half during last night's game. After Harris' rough performance during the first half, his team helped get him back on track in order to make a comeback to defeat Northwestern.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s electric comeback against No. 21 Northwestern

By James Kim, Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • Feb 24, 2023
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. rushes to recover the ball after a missed shot by Northwestern during the second half. During tonight's head-to-head game Shannon was able to pull through during the second half to recover the match and win.

Illinois overcomes 18-point deficit to knock off No. 21 Northwestern

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Feb 23, 2023
Guard/Forward Ty Rodgers takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on January 31, 2023. Despite losing to Penn State Rodgers played significantly well on Tuesday.

Player grades from Illinois’ second loss of season to Penn State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Feb 15, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins jumps for the ball during the game against Rutgers on Saturday. After a staunch turnaround during the second half, Illinois came out ahead, with a final score of 69-60.

Illinois men’s basketball outlasts No. 24 Rutgers with strong second half

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Feb 11, 2023
Members of the Orange Krush student section yell at the men's basketball game against Michigan State on Jan. 13. Due to recent events, Orange Krush will not be at the game at Iowa on Saturday, making the first time since 2002 that the group will not travel to an away match, excluding the 2020-21 season.

UPDATED: KAMS aids Orange Krush amid ticket scandal

By Drew Friberg and Heather Robinson • Feb 1, 2023
Freshman guard Sencire Harris dunks during the second half against Nebraska on Tuesday. The dunk, made with help from Terrence Shannon Jr., helped the Illini to pull ahead, making the score 52-50.

Illinois men’s basketball outlasts Nebraska at home

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jan 31, 2023
Freshman guard Jayden Epps takes a shot against Indiana on Jan. 19. On Saturday, Epps finished the game against Wisconsin with 13 points on 5-10 shooting.

Player grades from Illinois’ 10-point win over Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Jan 28, 2023
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. battles against Ohio State's defense on Tuesday. Shannon made 17 points during the Illini's match against Ohio State.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ nine-point victory over Ohio State

By James Kim, Carson Gourdie and Drew Friberg • Jan 24, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins goes for a difficult layup against Ohio State on Tuesday. Hawkins played a strong game, starting the Illini off with a three-point shot and finishing the game with a slam dunk.

Illini bounce Buckeyes out of Champaign in 69-60 win

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jan 24, 2023
Indiana State's forward Trayce Jackson-Davis blocks a layup from guard Sencire Harris during Friday's game. Harris made over half of his shots during Thursday's game but still needs improvement.

Notes, player grades from the Hoosier’s dominance at State Farm Center

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Jan 19, 2023
Junior forward Coleman Hawkins and senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. cheer during the game against Wisconsin on Jan. 7.

Player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Minnesota

By Drew Friberg and Carson Gourdie • Jan 17, 2023
Illinois Fighting Illini basketball takes on the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Center on January 13, 2023.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 75-66 win over Michigan State

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Jan 13, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris guards off the opposing team on Jan. 7, during a match against Wisconsin. Despite being a terrific guard for the Illini Harris still needs to work on his shooting as seen during Tuesday's game against Nebraska.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s 76-50 win over Nebraska

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Jan 12, 2023
Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps for a dunk against Wisconsin on Jan. 7. The Illini gets back on foot after their defeat from Northwestern with the Illini's second win on Tuesday against Nebraska.

Illinois men’s basketball grabs second conference win with score 76-50 against Nebraska

By Drew Friberg • Jan 10, 2023
Forward Coleman Hawkins laughs at the sidelines alongside guard Terrance Shannon Jr. on Sunday. Hawkins played an amazing game against Wisconsin which led to the team's 79-69 victory on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 10-point win over No. 14 Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Jan 7, 2023
Freshman Guard Skyy Clark works through Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. Clark will transfer out of Illinois, according to a breaking report.

Freshman Skyy Clark to temporarily step away from basketball

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jan 6, 2023
Guard Sencire Harris celebrates a score against Penn State on Dec. 10. Harris had a spectacular performance as a starter during Thursday's game against Bethune-Cookman that ended with a 85-52 victory in favor of the Illini.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ win over Bethune-Cookman

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Dec 30, 2022
Guard Skyy Clark attempts to block Penn State from making it to the hoop during a match off on Dec. 10. Clark played a good game against Alabama A&M on Saturday but suffered from fouls during the match.

Player grades, notes for Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Alabama A&M

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Dec 18, 2022
Forward/Guard Matthew Mayer attempts a jump shot against Penn State during a game last Saturday, The Illini rebounded from last week's match against Penn State with a 68-47 victory against Alabama during today's match at the State Farm Center.

No. 18 Illinois men’s basketball grabs 68-47 win against Alabama A&M

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Dec 17, 2022
Senior forward Matthew Mayer blocks Syracuse freshman guard Judah Mintz on Nov. 29.

No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball completes comeback win against No. 2 Texas at the Jimmy V Classic

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Dec 6, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez looks for someone to pass to during the second half against Syracuse on Tuesday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 29-point victory over Syracuse

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 29, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps dribbles the ball during the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct 28.

Player grades from Illinois’ loss to No. 16 Virginia in Vegas

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 21, 2022
Freshman guard Sencire Harris dunks the ball during the game against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s upset over No. 8 UCLA

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 19, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. blocks Kansas City on Nov. 11.

No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball upsets No. 8 UCLA in Las Vegas behind Shannon Jr.’s 29 points

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team cheer on the court during their match up against Minnesota on Nov. 6.

Illinois volleyball celebrates seniors with final home matches of the season

By Drew Friberg and Adam Rosen • Nov 18, 2022
Freshman guard Jayden Epps goes for the lay up during the second half of the game against Kansas City on Friday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois’ 38-point win over Monmouth

By Drew Friberg, James Kim and Carson Gourdie • Nov 14, 2022
Guard Terrance Shannon Jr. pushes through EIU's defense during last Monday's game. The Illini achieve another victory during Monday night's match against Monmouth with a score of 103-65.

No. 19 Illinois men’s basketball blows out Monmouth for third straight victory

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 14, 2022
Former Illinois men's basketball guard Trent Frazier receives his 2022 Big Ten Championship ring from Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during the ring and banner ceremony on Friday.

Illinois men’s basketball alums return to hang banner, collect rings with Underwood

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 12, 2022
Freshman guard Skyy Clark dribbles the ball down the court during the second half against Kansas City on Nov. 11.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball’s win over Kansas City

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Nov 12, 2022
Redshirt freshman Brooke Mosher (22) and senior middle blocker Kennedy Collins (1) go to block Minnesota's ball during their match up on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball looks for two wins in Michigan in wake of NCAA Tournament

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 11, 2022
Forward Dain Dainja prepares to pass the ball during last night's game against Eastern Illinois. Dainja achieved his first double-double within his 16 minutes of court time during last night's match.

Notes, player grades from Illinois men’s basketball home opener

By Drew Friberg, Carson Gourdie and James Kim • Nov 8, 2022
Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. attempts to get past the opposing team during tonight's match. Shannon made his premiere for the Illini with a performance that played a big hand to the team's 87-57 victory.

Illinois men’s basketball steamrolls Eastern Illinois 87-57 in season opener

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 7, 2022
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. walks on the court during introductions before the start of the exhibition game against Quincy on Oct. 28.

No. 23 Illinois men’s basketball prepares for official 2022-23 season opener against Eastern Illinois

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 7, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge hits the ball over the net during the third set against No. 9 Minnesota on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball falls short in fifth set heartbreak loss to No. 9 Minnesota

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 6, 2022
Best restaurant to take your parents: Black Dog

Best restaurant to take your parents: Black Dog

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Nov 4, 2022
Senior middle blocker Rylee Hinton smacks the ball over the net during the game against No. 11 Penn State on Oct. 26.

Illinois volleyball welcomes defending NCAA champ No. 3 Wisconsin to Champaign

By Drew Friberg and Adam Rosen • Nov 3, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry goes to hit the ball over the net during Illinois' match against Northwestern on Sept. 24.

Illinois volleyball’s stout defense, stellar offense leads way to first ranked win over No. 11 Penn State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 27, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry celebrates with her teammates after the team scored a point against Northwestern on Sept. 24. Terry returns to Illinois for her senior year as a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection.

Illinois volleyball welcomes No. 11 Penn State to mark halfway point in Big Ten season

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 26, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team huddle after their victory against Rutgers on Oct. 12, 2022. The Illini announced their Big Ten schedule for the 2023 season this morning.

Underdog Illinois looks for upset over No. 3 Nebraska in front of sold out home crowd

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 22, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball over the net as Northwestern tries to block on Sept. 24.

Illinois volleyball continues road schedule at No. 6 Ohio State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 19, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry smacks the ball over the hit as Rutgers attempts to block it during the first set on Wednesday.

Illinois volleyball looks for second win of day over Homecoming foe No. 10 Minnesota

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 15, 2022
Redshirt senior setter Diana Brown sets the ball during the game against Maryland on Sept. 23.

Illinois begins climb back to winning ways with home matchup against Rutgers

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 12, 2022
Opposite/outside hitter Kayla Burbage bumps the ball back to Maryland, the opposing team on Sept. 23. Burbage speaks on the team's motivation towards beating teams in the top-10 and 25 as Illini head off to face Maryland again on Friday.

Illinois volleyball head out east for third weekend of Big Ten play

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 7, 2022
Setter Brooke Mosher blocks Maryland’s attempt to score by the net on Sept. 23 BIG Ten match. Mosher performed in her first BIG Ten matches and had 14 kills against Maryland.

‘Next man up’ mentality gives Illini success

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Oct 4, 2022
Illinois volleyball head coach Chris Tamas huddles and speaks with the team during an intermission for the game against Maryland on Sept. 23. The Illini will be up against the Boilermakers at Huff Hall on Friday.

Illinois volleyball squares off against powerhouse programs No. 5 Purdue, No. 8 Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 30, 2022
Redshirt freshman Brooke Mosher goes to hit the ball during the first set against Maryland on Friday.

Defense, atmosphere guides Illinois volleyball to a 2-0 conference start

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 25, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team huddle during their match against Dayton on Sept. 10. The Illini will be back home for the first time this season for this weekend's match up against Maryland on Friday and Northwestern on Saturday.

Illinois return home for conference play with big tests against Maryland, Northwestern

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 23, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge hits the ball during the Eastern Illinois match on Wednesday. The Illini are heading to Milwaukee this Saturday to end their preseason with matches up against Illinois State and No. 19 Marquette.

Illinois volleyball concludes preseason with doubleheader in Milwaukee

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 17, 2022
Redshirt senior setter Diana Brown sets the ball during the match against Villanova on Saturday. The Illini will be up against Eastern Illinois on Wednesday.

No. 25 Illinois volleyball continues regular season prep with match against Eastern Illinois

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 14, 2022
Mar 9, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, United States; freshman defensive specialist Becca Sakoda (17) of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the scrimmage between the Brøndby Volleyball Klub and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Huff Hall. Illinois won, 3-1. Photo by Andy Wenstrand.

Illinois volleyball sweeps Dayton Invitational, picks up three wins

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 10, 2022
Sophomore outside hitter Kayla Burbage (9) and senior middle blocker Rylee Hinton (2) jump to block the ball during the match against Ole Miss on Aug. 28. The Illini will be up against Missouri State on Friday.

No. 25 Illinois looks to snap losing streak at Dayton Invitational

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 9, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge readies to hit the ball during the match against No. 14 Washington on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball utilizes preseason to work out kinks in offense

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 5, 2022
Junior outside hitter Raina Terry prepares to serve during the home game against Maryland on Nov. 21. The Illini fall to both Colorado, 3-0, and No. 14 Washington, 1-3, over the weekend.

No. 19 Illinois volleyball ends Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge winless

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 4, 2022
The Illinois volleyball team celebrate during the scrimmage against Brøndby Volleyball Klub on March 9. The Illini will be up against Colorado on Saturday and then Washington on Sunday.

No. 19 Illinois volleyball continues preseason play with Pac-12 clash against No. 14 Washington, Colorado

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Sep 3, 2022
Senior outside hitter Jessica Nunge elevates the ball to serve against Wisconsin during the homecoming match on Oct. 3. Despite Illini's match performance Nunge managed to pull 15 kills against Ole Miss leading to the team's victory on Sunday.

Illinois volleyball splits matches in season opening tournament

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Aug 28, 2022

Illini volleyball head to Ole Miss Invitational

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Aug 21, 2022
New Illini Opposite/outside hitter Kayla Burbage bumps the ball during practice. Coach Tamas opens up on choice to induct University of Missouri transfer Kayla Burbage to the Illini family.

Illinois volleyball’s 2022 wildcard: Kayla Burbage the ‘unknown’

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Aug 20, 2022
The University of Illinois Club Softball team huddled at a game for the Indy Invitational during the weekend of Oct. 2, 2021. The University offers 35 different club sports that can be listed on the Campus Rec website.

Club sports offer new opportunities for new students

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Aug 12, 2022
Setter Diana Brown focuses on setting the ball during a game against Purdue on Oct. 6. Brown recently made an appearance at the Big Ten Network studio in Chicago representing the Illini.

Biggest takeaways from Big Ten volleyball media days

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Aug 2, 2022
Graduate student runner Rebecca Craddock runs during the Illini Classic on April 9. A handful of smaller sports do not receive as much traction from fans in comparison to football and basketball when it comes to small crowds and less social media attention.

Pack the stands of underappreciated sports

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jul 13, 2022
Illinois men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood on the sidelines during the Big Ten tournament first round game against Indiana on March 11. Underwood expresses his excitement with USC and UCLA joining Big Ten.

‘They fit the Big Ten mold’: Brad Underwood discusses future of Big Ten with USC, UCLA

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jul 2, 2022
The USC Trojans goes up against the UCLA Bruins. USC and USCLA has just been announced to be entering the Big Ten with University of Texas and University of Oklahoma leaving the Big Ten to the Pac-12 in 2024.

USC, UCLA set to join Big Ten in 2024, expanding conference to 16 teams

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jun 30, 2022
Freshman setter Brooke Mosher high fives senior middle blocker Kennedy Collins during the scrimmage against Brøndby Volleyball Klub on March 9. The team will be adding four new faces: outside hitter Sophie Stevenson, outside hitter Kayla Burbage, middle blocker Cari Bohm and setter Bianca May.

Illinois volleyball adds four fresh faces to roster ahead of Fall 2022 season

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jun 8, 2022
The Atkins Golf Club, presents itself to the CU community on Saturday. The formally Stone Creek Golf Course and now Atkins Golf Club donated by the Atkins Group to Illini Athletics had its opening debut on Saturday morning.

Atkins Golf Club unveils new renovations, set to host Illinois golf teams for practice and matches

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jun 4, 2022
Setter Jordyn Poulter jumps to set the ball in order for the Illini to make a score against Louisville on December 1, 2018. Poulter, former setter for Illinois volleyball and 2020 gold medalist for the Tokyo Olympics recently had her medal stolen from her vehicle along with other personal possessions last Wednesday.

Tokyo 2020 gold medal stolen from car of Illinois volleyball alum

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Jun 2, 2022
The Illinois men’s tennis team cheers on from the sidelines during doubles matches against Chicago State on Jan. 23. The Illini finished the season 14-14 and among the top four in Big Ten.

‘It’s always a new challenge’: Illinois men’s tennis endure mixed season of change, growing pains

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 27, 2022
Graduate student Olivier Stuart reaches over to pass back the ball during his singles match against Purdue on April 24. Stuart achieved a 9-7 for his singles record this season.

Illinois men’s tennis star Olivier Stuart brings confidence to postseason singles in first round of NCAA Tournament

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 23, 2022
Junior outfielder Kelly Ryono runs to the next base during the home game against Penn State on May 7. The Illini are eliminated from the NCAA Tournament following their first round losses to Arizona, 8-3, and Missouri State, 2-0.

Illinois softball exits NCAA Tournament after first round losses to Arizona, Missouri State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 21, 2022
Sophomore Piercen Hunt finishes his swing during the NCAA Regionals on Wednesday. Hunt gave a great performance on Wednesday during the NCAA Regionals however, the Illini were unable to take the victory and will not continue to the NCAA Championship on May 27.

Illinois men’s golf crashes out of NCAA Regionals for first time in 14 years, misses out on Championship Round

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 18, 2022
Former Michigan State assistant coach Harry Jadun takes a moment to have a dialogue with an athlete he coaches. Illinois men’s tennis announced on Wednesday that Jadun will be joining the Illinois men’s tennis team as the new assistant coach after the departure of former men’s tennis associate head coach Marcos Asse.

Illinois men’s tennis appoints Harry Jadun as new associate head coach, says goodbye to associate coach Marcos Asse

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 18, 2022
Junior Jerry Ji swings his club during Southern Highlands Collegiate on March 1. The Illini will be competing in the NCAA Regional in New Haven, Conn as the No. 4 seed from Monday to Wednesday.

‘We are going there to win’: No. 4 Illinois men’s golf travels to New Haven Regional with eyes on first place

By Drew Friberg and Matthew Sinele • May 16, 2022
Senior infielder Avery Steiner runs the bases during the game against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini are set to plan to against Ohio State for the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday.

No. 3 Illinois softball set to face No. 6 Ohio State in quarterfinals of Big Ten tournament

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • May 12, 2022
Freshman Gabrielius Guzauskas races to return to the opposing team on Sunday against Purdue. Guzauskas managed to qualify Illinois to the semi-finals against Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the illini were unable to obtain the Big Ten Championship victory.

Illinois men’s tennis fails to defend Big Ten Championship title, falls in semifinals to No. 2 Michigan after quarterfinal upset

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 30, 2022
Graduate student Oliver Stuart reaches over to backhand the ball during his singles match against Purdue for Senior Day on Sunday. The Illini will be heading towards Madison, Wisconsin to play against the Badgers for the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

No. 6 Illinois men’s tennis looks ahead to clash with No. 3 Wisconsin at Big Ten tournament quarterfinals

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 29, 2022
Sophomore Hunter Heck hypes up the team before the game against Purdue on April 24. Heck and graduate student Olivier Stuart earn All-Big Ten honors.

Hunter Heck and Olivier Stuart earn All-Big Ten honors following strong conference campaigns

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 29, 2022
Redshirt sophomore forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk attempts a lay-up during the game against Michigan State on Jan. 25. Bosmans-Verdonk has entered the transfer portal and is the fourth Illini to enter.

Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk enters the transfer portal after two full seasons with Illinois men’s basketball

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 27, 2022
Graduate Student Olivier Stuart hops into position to prepare for the opposing team on Feb. 19. Illinois went on to win three matches leading to the conclusion of the season on Sunday.

Illinois men’s tennis ends regular season with wins over Eastern Illinois, Indiana, Purdue

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 24, 2022
Redshirt junior Siphosothando Montsi eyes the ball during his doubles match against Baylor with partner graduate student Oliver Stuart on March 4. The Illini are about to wrap up their regular season this weekend with matches against Eastern Illinois, Indiana and Purdue.

Illinois men’s tennis heads into final weekend of conference matches against Indiana, Purdue, Eastern Illinois

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 22, 2022
Sophomore Hunter Heck sets his position to hit ball back to the opposing team on Mar. 4. Heck gave a team leading performance in doubles and singles against Northwestern on Saturday which ended with a 4-1 Illini victory.

Illinois men’s tennis knocks off No. 26 Northwestern, snaps two match loss streak

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 16, 2022
Senior Nic Meister prepares for his singles match against Michigan State on April 7. The Illini will be competing against rivals Northwester on Saturday.

Illinois men’s tennis gears up for home rivalry against Northwestern after two tough away losses last weekend at Nebraska, Wisconsin

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 15, 2022
Charlie ‘Chaaaarlie’ Tang, senior in LAS, is a competitive Esports gamer who plays for the University’s Esports team. Tang specializes in the game "Valorant" and ranks in the top 4,000th in the game within the North America region

Charlie ‘Chaaaarlie’ Tang dreams of professional ‘Valorant’ career

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 11, 2022
Illini Esports President and ACES research assistant, AJ Taylor and Illini Esports community director Alec Forest-Pierson discuss hosting a LAN party at the Union on Saturday which consisted of cosplay contests and raffles among the many games being played.

Spring Semester LAN unites gamers across campus

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 10, 2022
Sophomore Hunter Heck celebrates a point won during the competition against Michigan State on Sunday. Heck has moved up to No. 74 after winning his match against Michigan.

Back on the road: Illinois men’s tennis travels to Nebraska, Wisconsin for two conference matches

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 8, 2022
Members of Illini Esports compete Fall Semester LAN during the 2021 fall semester. The team will be hosting the Spring Semester LAN at the Illini Union on Saturday.

Illini Esports hosts Spring Semester LAN, invites gamers to Illini Union for competition and prizes

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 8, 2022
Will Leitch spent majority of his time writing for the sports section for The Daily Illini and took up many positions during his time from being the Sports Editor to the Interim Editor-In-Chief for the summer. Since his time with The Daily Illini, Leitch founded Deadspin and was the co-founded The Black Table.

Trailblazer of sports writing, Will Leitch, enters IMC Hall of Fame

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 6, 2022
Redshirt sophomore Lucas Horve hits the ball to Baylor's side during his doubles match with partner sophomore Hunter Heck on March 4. Horve and Heck won their doubles match against Michigan State 6-0 on Sunday, and the the Illini winning overall 6-1.

Illinois men’s tennis secures two wins against Michigan State, Butler after loss to No. 6 Michigan

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 3, 2022
Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer talks with graduate student Alex Brown during his singles match against TCU on March 5. The Illini will be competing at Atkins for 3 match ups this weekend against Michigan, Michigan State and Butler.

Illinois men’s tennis returns to Atkins, gears up for first home conference matches against No. 6 Michigan, Michigan State and out-of-conference Butler

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Apr 1, 2022
Guard, Andre Curbelo lines up his shot on Mar. 6 against Iowa. Curbelo surprises fans as he makes public his forthcoming transfer from illinois basketball.

Curbelo enters transfer portal, leaves Illinois after two seasons

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 28, 2022
Redshirt Junior Siphosothando Montsi gets ready for his doubles match as his partner, graduate student Oliver Stuart, hits the ball during their match against Duke on Feb. 19. Montsi and Stuart won their doubles match against Penn State, 6-3, and the Illini overall sweeping Penn State 4-0.

Illinois men’s tennis splits first conference matches with fall to No. 3 Ohio State, win against Penn State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 27, 2022
Sophomore Hunter Heck reaches to hit the ball during his singles match during Baylor on March 4. Illinois will be heading to Pennsylvania to go up against Penn State on Sunday.

Illinois men’s tennis trek to Penn State for second conference match of season

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 27, 2022
Graduate student Oliver Stuart hits the ball during his singles match against Duke on Feb. 19. Stuart and his doubles partner, redshirt junior Siphosothando Montsi, gain a spot at No. 61 after their performance against Fairleigh Dickinson on March 16.

Illinois men’s tennis kicks off Big Ten play at No. 3 Ohio State

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 25, 2022
Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer talks with graduate student Alex Brown and Freshman Gabrielius Guzauskas during their doubles match against Baylor on March 4. Dancer goes more in depth when it comes to the team's improvement during the season.

Illinois men’s tennis reaches halfway point in season, coach Dancer reflects on team’s growth

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 23, 2022
Redshirt freshman Lucas Byrd attempts to takedown his Northwestern opponent on Jan. 29. Byrd receives an All-American honors a second time in a row.

Byrd earns All-American honors for second season, places highest of four Illinois wrestlers at NCAA Championships

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 20, 2022
Graduate student Oliver Stuart reaches towards the ball during his singles match against Baylor on March 4. Stuart won his match against UCF on Friday with 6-4, 4-6 and 6-1, and the Illini winning overall against the Knights 4-3.

Clinch on court 2 delivers second win of week for Illinois men’s tennis

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 19, 2022
Redshirt sophomore Zac Braunagel wins his match against Northwestern on Jan. 29. Braunagel and three other Illini wrestlers will be competing in the NCAA Championships from Thursday to Saturday.

Four members of Illinois wrestling to compete in 2022 NCAA Championships

By Drew Friberg, Sports Editor • Mar 17, 2022
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