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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
Gabby Hajduk

Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor

[email protected]

Adam Miller makes his way to the basket against Simeon on Jan. 23. Miller is Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 2020.

Adam Miller officially signs with Illini

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • April 22, 2020
Pictured above is Lou Hernandez, the Illinois football strength and conditioning coach.

Hernandez adapts, powers Illini through restrictions

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • April 21, 2020
Illinois sophomore Ayo Dosunmu looks to the crowd during the game against March 8. The Illini won 78-76.

Dosunmu enters NBA draft

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • April 15, 2020
Illinois Basketball commit Connor Serven goes for a layup during a match against Brother Rice High School.

Connor Serven earns dream opportunity

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • April 8, 2020
Peter Bailey-Wells stands in front of the Boston Globe Sign.

Journalism alumni discuss COVID-19 impacts

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • March 27, 2020
Sophomore Alan Griffin drives against Maryland on Feb. 7. The Illini lost to the Terrapins 75-66.

Griffin announces transfer from Illini

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • March 24, 2020
Jon Davis runs on the Armory’s track for the one-mile run during the Illini Invitational.

Illini finish indoor season before outdoor season canceled

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • March 21, 2020
Giorgi Bezhanishvili celebrates on the sideline during Illinois game against Iowa on March 8. The Illini won 78-76.

Illini finish on high note, rank No. 21 in final poll

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • March 18, 2020
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman at a Feb. 18, 2016, news conference in Chicago. Whitman gave remarks about the future of collegiate sports at his annual media roundtable on June 21.

Whitman addresses NCAA, Big Ten cancellations

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • March 16, 2020
An image of the official statement from the NCAA announcing the cancellation of Division one basketball tournaments.

NCAA announces March Madness basketball tournament cancellation

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 12, 2020

Illini lock down fourth seed in Big Ten tournament

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 12, 2020
The Illini basketball team gathers in a huddle before tip-off on Dec. 14 at State Farm Center.

Underwood, Illini create championship culture

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 5, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu drives through two Indiana players toward the basket during the Illinis game against the Hoosier at State Farm Center Sunday afternoon. Dosunmu led Illinois to a 67-66 victory over Indiana with 17 points on the day.

Illini knock Hoosiers, 67-66, in at-home nail biter

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 1, 2020
Illini guard Alan Griffin (0) attempts a three point shot during the second half at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois on Feb. 11.

Griffin leads Illinois to road victory at Northwestern

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 27, 2020
Senior guard Andrés Feliz celebrates with junior guard Trent Frazier after Frazier hurled and sunk a shot from over the half court line heading into halftime during Illinois game against Nebraska at State Farm Center Monday night. Illinois stomped Nebraska 71-59 and improves to 18-9 and 10-6 on the season.

Illini harvest 11-point win over Corn Huskers at home Monday night

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 24, 2020
Sophomore Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and center Kofi Cockburn (21) walk out of a timeout after a strong start by Michigan State during the first half at State Farm Center in Champaign on Feb. 11. Illinois will host Nebraska Monday night at home. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.

Illinois to host Nebraska at State Farm Center Monday

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 24, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Donsunmu stretches for a layup during Illinois game against Michigan State at home Tuesday, Feb. 11. After sitting out at No. 9 Maryland Saturday, Donsunmu led Illinois to an upset-victory over No. 9 Penn State on the road Tuesday night.

Dosunmu, Illini take down No. 9-ranked Nittany Lions on road

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 18, 2020
Junior guard DaMonte Williams handles the ball during Illinois game against Michigan State at the State Farm Center on Feb. 11. Illinois will play at Penn State Tuesday with hopes of snapping the teams four-game skid in the Big Ten.

Illinois travels to No. 13 Penn State, hope to snap skid

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 17, 2020
Illini sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu (11), freshman center Kofi Cockburn (21), sophomore guard Alan Griffin (0), and senior guard Andres Feliz (10) head to the bench for a timeout during the second half at State Farm Center on Feb. 11. Illinois travels to New Jersey Saturday to face Rutgers.

No. 22 Illinois travels to New Jersey to face Rutgers

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 14, 2020
Illinois baseball team stretches during warm ups for indoor practice at the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility on Feb. 5. Illinois will open its 2020 campaign against Milwaukee in North Carolina Friday.

Illinois to open season in North Carolina

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 13, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Donsunmu rises to block a shot from sophomore guard Eric Ayala during No. 20-ranked Illinois game against No. 9-ranked Maryland at the State Farm Center Friday night. The Illini dropped the contest to the Terrapins, 75-66. Illinois moves to 16-7, 8-4 on the season and is second in the Big Ten.

No. 20 Illinois falls to No. 9 Maryland at home in front of a sold-out crowd Friday night

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 7, 2020
Xavier Watson swings a bat at the Irwin Indoor Football Facility on Wednesday. The Illini have added 18 freshman and transfer players to its roster for the 2020 season.

Illinois baseball to return with promising newcomers

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 6, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) shoots past Minnesota Golden Gophers center Daniel Oturu (25) during the second half at State Farm Center on Thursday. Photo by Jonathan Bonaguro.

No. 19 Illinois fends off Minnesota 59-51 Thursday at home

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 30, 2020
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) dribbles up the court on Tuesday at Mackey Arena. The Illini won 79-62.

Dosunmu continues to excel on the court, elevates Illinois to top-20 ranking

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 30, 2020
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn fires off a jump shot during No. 21-ranked Illinois game at Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. on Tuesday night. The Illini havent won at Mackey Arena since 2008.

No. 21 Illinois earns first road win at Purdue since 2008

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 21, 2020
Sophomore Giorgi Bezhanishvili defends against an inbound pass during Illinois game against Northwestern Saturday at the State Farm Center. Illinois won 71-67. Jonathan Bonaguro of the Daily Illini.

No. 24 Illinois collects fourth-straight win, Frazier earns 1,000th career point

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 18, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu stands on Lou Henson Court during Illinois game against Purdue at the State Farm Center on Sunday. Illinois beat Purdue 63-37. Photo by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Illini snap 15-game losing streak against the Badgers in Madison

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 9, 2020
Sophomore guard Alan Griffin rises for a layup during the Illinis game against the Monarchs at the State Farm Center Saturday. Griffin led the Illini past the Monarchs, 69-55, with 15-points in 16 minutes off the bench. Illinois will travel to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis to face Mizzou in the annual Braggin Rights game Saturday, Dec. 21. Captured by Jonathan Bonaguro, The Daily Illini.

Griffin leads Illini in 69-55 victory over Old Dominion Monarchs

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 14, 2019
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball down the court during Illinois’ game in Maryland at College Park, Maryland. The Illini lost 59-58 in the final two seconds on Saturday.

Illinois to host No. 5 Michigan at the State Farm Center Wednesday

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 11, 2019
Sophomore guard Alan Griffin dribbles past a Miami player during the Illinis game against the Hurricanes Monday night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Illinois narrowly lost 81-79, and moves to 6-2 on the season overall. Captured at State Farm Center on 02 Dec. 2019 by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Illinois drops nail-biter to Miami in ACC/Big Ten Challenge at home

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 2, 2019
Trent Frazier drives past a Hawaii defender at the Illinis game vs Hawaii at the State Farm Center on Monday.

Frazier embraces defensive role

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 20, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn prepares to shoot a free throw during Illinois game against Hawaii at State Farm Center on Monday. Illinois won 66-53.

Illinois defeats Hawaii 66-53 at home Monday

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 19, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn rises for a layup against Nicholls State at State Farm Center on Nov. 5. Cockburn is currently leading the Illini in total rebounds, averaging 10.7 rebounds-per-game.

Cockburn, Feliz big scorers on starting lineup

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 14, 2019
Senior guard Andrés Feliz dribbles in front of Nicholls States defense during the teams home regular-season opener. The Illini beat the Colonels 78-70 in overtime at the State Farm Center on Nov. 4. Ben Tschetter, The Daily Illini.

Illinois inches past Nicholls State in overtime during regular-season opener

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 5, 2019
Giorgi Bezhanishvili (15) celebrates after the Illini score at State Farm Center on Friday. Despite a slow start against Lewis in Friday’s exhibition, Illinois pulled through with 83-50 win.

Illinois basketball has room for improvement ahead of Tuesday’s regular-season opener

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 4, 2019
Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket during the game against Iowa at the Carver Hawkeye Arena on Jan. 20 where the Illini lost 95-71. Illinois will play Lewis Friday before the season begins next week.

Dosunmu leads team into game-changing season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 31, 2019
Senior Jacqueline Quade jumps to the net in Huff Hall on Saturday. Quade led the Illini with 13 kills, helping the team defeat the Buckeyes 3-0.

Volleyball wins 3-0 against Ohio State, ends road losing streak

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 28, 2019
Senior Ashley Fleming sets the ball over two Minnesota defenders in Maturi Pavilion Saturday. The Illini lost to the Gophers 3-1.

Illini volleyball struggles in weekend conference

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 21, 2019
Megan Cooney (15) celebrates with the Illini Volleyball team at Huff Hall at the Illini’s game vs. Iowa on Sep 28. Although her position change has posed challenges, Cooney is using her past experiences and team practices to improve.

Cooney switches sides, shifts tide for Illinois

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 10, 2019
Illini close fall season 2-1

Illini close fall season 2-1

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 4, 2019
Illini remain confident going into new season

Illini remain confident going into new season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 4, 2019
Diana Brown (5) sets the ball to Ashlyn Fleming (12) during the Illini’s game versus Nebraska at Huff Hall on Friday.

Brown steps into leadership role

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • October 3, 2019
Pitcher Quinn Snarskis delivers a pitch against Indiana State on May 1. Snarskis is moving into a coaching position with the baseball team following an injury last season, leaving him unable to play.

Snarskis transitions from teammate to coach

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 26, 2019
Blayke Hranicka sets up the ball during a match against the University of Tennessee on Sept. 1.

Illini go 2-0 at Bulldog Brawl, veterans lead way out of slump

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 23, 2019
Freshman Rylee Hinton spikes a ball during the Illini’s match against Illinois State at the Redbird Classic on September 13.

Hard work pays off for Illinois freshman Hinton

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 19, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Beth Prince (8) spikes the ball during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illini volleyball strives to come back stronger from weekend losses

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 12, 2019
Illinois closing pitcher Garrett Acton (26) gets a mound visit from assistant coach Drew Dickinson during the game against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament at TD Ameritrade Park on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The Illini lost 5-4.

Illini optimistic after offseason progress

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 12, 2019
Jonathan Bonaguro The daily illini The Illini celebrate after scoring against Tennessee Sunday at Huff Hall. The Illini won 3-2. No. 6-ranked Illinois will play No. 16 Washington on Friday and Colorado Saturday.

Illinois to play in Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • September 5, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade spikes the ball during the match against Marquette in the third round of the NCAA tournament at Huff Hall on Dec. 7. The Illini won 3-0.

Quade opens senior season with all-conference honors

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • August 29, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade (7) points to setter Jordyn Poulter (1) after scoring a kill during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illini prepare for fall campaign after Final Four loss in NCAA tournament

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • August 26, 2019
Bella Loya preparing for a pitch at Eichelberger Field on April 3.

Loya garners All-American accolades

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • June 10, 2019
Illinois left fielder Carly Thomas (25) hits the ball during the game against Eastern Illinois at Eichelberger Field on March 26. The Illini won 8-7 in 8 innings.

Thomas makes professional debut with Cleveland Comets, Team Mexico

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • June 3, 2019
Veronica Ruelius stands at second base during a game against Michigan at Eichelberger Field on April 20. The Illini lost 8-9.

Illinois wraps up 20th season at NCAA Tournament

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • May 29, 2019
Head coach Tyra Perry speaks with Annie Fleming (99) during a Purdue Pitching Change on Sunday. The Illini won 12-4.

Ninth-seed Illinois prepares for Big Ten tournament

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • May 8, 2019
The Illini cheer on their batter in the dugout at Eichelberger Field April 3. Illinois will be looking to secure a final series win against Purdue next weekend.

Illini sit at seventh in Big Ten conference ratings

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 29, 2019
Taylor Edwards pitches at Eichelberger Field versus ISU on April 3.

Illini swept for the first time in 2019

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 23, 2019

Illinois adds all-star setter to team

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 22, 2019
Illinois pinch hitter Veronica Ruelius (00) hits the ball during the game against Eastern Illinois at Eichelberger Field on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. The Illini won 8-7 in 8 innings.

Illini run-rule Sulkis during mid-week matchup

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 19, 2019
Illinois right fielder Kailee Powell (5) hits the ball during the game against Eastern Illinois at Eichelberger Field on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. The Illini won 8-7 in 8 innings.

Teammates double as roommates

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 18, 2019
Taylor Edwards pitches at Eichelberger Field versus Illinois State on April 3. The team has learned to focus on the moment rather than worrying about prior plays.

Illinois dominate series against Iowa

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 15, 2019

Illinois drops double header to Missouri Tuesday

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 10, 2019
Bella Loya preparing for a pitch at Eichelberger Field on April 3.

Loya swings at goals, scores success

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • April 8, 2019
Serenity Stewart (center) gets congratulated by her team for hitting a home run at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday. The Illini beat the Redbirds 2-1.

Illini offense begins slow, ends in win over Redbirds

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • April 4, 2019
Illinois outfielder Kiana Sherlund (left) celebrates with catcher Bella Loya (right) after scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh to make the score 5-5 against Iowa at Eichelberger Field on April 21. The Illini won 6-5. Sherlund and Loya are excited to start the new season and build on their skills.

Illinois plays double-header Saturday despite rainy conditions

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • April 1, 2019
Senior Annie Fleming swings at a pitch during Illinois’ three-game home series against Wisconsin last weekend at Eichelberger Field. The Illini are on a three-game win streak after beating Eastern Illinois University at home Tuesday night, 8-7.

Illini pull out win against Panthers

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 28, 2019
Illinois outfielder Carly Thomas (25) hits a home run during the game against Northwestern at Eichelberger Field on Wednesday, Mar. 28, 2018.

Team returns to Champaign for home opener after 21 games on road

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • March 25, 2019
Illinois outfielder Carly Thomas (25) celebrates with her team at home plate after hitting a homerun during the game against Iowa at Eichelberger Field on April 21, 2018. The Illini won 6-5.

Softball returns to Champaign after 4-1 weekend in California

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • March 20, 2019
Illinois forward Alex Wittinger rises up to shoot the ball during the game against Penn State at the State Farm Center on Sunday. The Illini lost 76-65.

Seniors reflect on years as Illini

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 28, 2019
Illinois forward Alex Wittinger dribbles to the basket during the game against Fort Wayne at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 10. The Illini won 64-50.

Illini celebrate senior night but fail to pick up win

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • February 26, 2019
The Fighting Illini Womens Basketball team stands for the singing of the National Anthem before tip off against The University of Michigan on Feb. 17.

Illini hope to win against Badgers Wednesday

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • February 20, 2019
Illinois forward Alex Wittinger fights for position to rebound a free throw during the game against Nebraska at the State Farm Center on Jan. 17. The Illini lost 77-67. Wittinger and junior Brandi Beasley shined in the same against Wisconsin on Feb. 7.

Illinois hopes to continue winning streak against Iowa

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 14, 2019
Illinois forward Alex Wittinger (35) shoots the ball during the game against Indiana State at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. The Illini won 75-57.

Women’s basketball gets major win over Badgers

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 12, 2019
Illinois forward Sarah Shewan (31) tries to box out on a free throw during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. The Illini won 73-54.

Shewan brings veteran motivation

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 7, 2019
Illinois guard Brandi Beasley drives the lane during Illinois 74-62 win over Bradley on Nov. 18. Beasley continues to put up double-digits, having recently recorded her 1,000th point with the Illini.

Illinois suffers seventh-straight loss at Ohio State

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • February 2, 2019
Illinois drops both Big Ten weekend matchups

Illinois drops both Big Ten weekend matchups

By Gabby Hajduk and JJ Kim • January 29, 2019
Brandi Beasley handles the ball for Illinois during their 73-54 loss to Purdue on Sunday, February 4. Illinois beat Valparaiso 73-54 on Wednesday.

Beasley to join 1,000-point club

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 24, 2019
Illinois drops two in a row after ending Big Ten losing streak

Illinois drops two in a row after ending Big Ten losing streak

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • January 14, 2019
Illinois forward Alex Wittinger rises up to shoot the ball during the game against Indiana State at the State Farm Center on Dec. 5. The Illini won 75-57.

Wittinger chases block record in senior season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 13, 2018

Illinois prepares to take on conference season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 11, 2018
Senior forward Alex Wittinger shoots a jumper in Illinois game against Virginia Tech on Nov. 30, 2017. The Illini lost 49-96.

Illinois remains undefeated at home with victory over Indiana State

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 6, 2018
Alex Wittinger drives the lane during Illinois 73-54 loss to Purdue on Sunday, February 4.

Women’s basketball gets overtime win, moves to 5-2 on the season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • December 4, 2018
Illinois Meagan McNicholas (center) cheers on her team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 25.

McNicholas’ first basket is three years in making

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 29, 2018
Illinois guard Courtney Joens looks to pass the ball during the game against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Nov. 14. The Illini won 73-54.

Illini look to recover, travel to Clemson

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 28, 2018
Brandi Beasley handles the ball for Illinois during their 73-54 loss to Purdue on Sunday, February 4. Illinois beat Valparaiso 73-54 on Wednesday.

Veteran effort gives Illinois 73-54 win over Valparaiso

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 16, 2018
Head coach Nancy Fahey talks with her team before the start of Illinois game against Michigan State on Jan. 16. Illinois fell to Michigan State 67-55. The Illini look to build off a season where they finished at the bottom of the Big Ten.

Fahey begins second season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff writer • November 8, 2018
The Illini women’s golf team poses for a picture after taking home a first-place victory at the Cardinal Cup in Louisville, Kentucky. on Oct. 21.

Illinois caps off successful fall season

By Gabby Hajduk, Staff Writer • November 1, 2018
Sophomore Crystal Wang hits the ball at the Illini Womens Invite at Medinah on Oct. 10, 2018. The Illini are headed to Wilmington, North Carolina, for the Landfall Tradition this weekend.

Women’s golf breaks records at Medinah

By Gabby Hajduk, Contributing Writer • October 17, 2018
Sukaree admires a shot at the Couer Dalene Collegiate Resort on Sept. 12, 2018. Sukaree tied for 13th at the event.

From California to Illinois: Freshmen golfers bring new energy to team

By Gabby Hajduk, Contributing Writer • October 9, 2018

Women’s golf pics up first win of season

By Gabby Hajduk, Contributing Writer • September 28, 2018

Women’s golf tie for third-place in first tournament of the season

By Gabby Hajduk, Contributing Writer • September 25, 2018
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