Chambana Sun

Illinois Volleyball will compete in the Cyclone Invitational from September 6-8 at Hilton Coliseum. The team, currently undefeated with a 3-0 record, will face Toledo, Iowa State, and Wake Forest.

The matches are scheduled as follows:

- Toledo (3-0) on Friday at 4 p.m. CT

- Iowa State (1-1) on Saturday at 4 p.m. CT

- Wake Forest (2-1) on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT

All matches will be available on ESPN+, with audio streams provided by FightingIllini.com/live featuring Tim Ditman.

In their last outing, Illinois secured a four-set victory over Illinois State. Key performances included Averie Hernandez with 12 kills, Ashlyn Philpot achieving her first collegiate double-double with 11 kills and 10 blocks, Raina Terry contributing 11 kills and four aces, Brooke Mosher providing 31 assists, and Christina Martinez Mundo recording 13 digs.

Raina Terry returns for her final season after leading the Big Ten in total points last year and ranking high nationally in several categories. She is approaching career milestones in both kills and service aces.

Newcomers have made an impact this season; freshman Laynie Smith recorded double-digit kills in her debut against Cincinnati. Philpot also impressed with a double-double performance against Illinois State.

The Illini's opponents have shown mixed results so far this season:

- Toledo has a perfect record of 3-0.

- Iowa State stands at 1-1.

- Wake Forest holds a record of 2-1.

Head Coach Chris Tamas enters his eighth season with an overall record of 134-81 (.623). Last season under his leadership, the team posted a winning record and had significant achievements including individual honors for several players.

Former Illini player Jordyn Poulter represented Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer, helping secure a silver medal. Poulter has made two Olympic appearances and was part of the gold-winning team in Tokyo.