Chambana Sun

Illinois secured a four-set victory over Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the Hyatt Place Invitational finale at E.A. Diddle Arena on Saturday, improving their season record to 7-1. The Hilltoppers, who received votes in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, fell to 4-6.

The Fighting Illini collectively hit .267 with 63 kills, 70 digs, 58 assists, and 12 blocks. Raina Terry recorded her second consecutive double-double with 19 kills and 14 digs. Averie Hernandez contributed significantly with 17 kills and 12 digs. Defensively, Cari Bohm achieved a career-best nine blocks while Christina Martinez Mundo added 15 digs.

Illinois had a slow start in the first set, trailing WKU early but managed to come back and win the set 27-25 after several key plays by Terry and Bohm. In the second set, Illinois faced difficulties despite chipping away at WKU's lead but ultimately lost the set 25-19.

In the third set, Illinois took an early lead which they maintained throughout, winning comfortably at 25-13 thanks to strong performances from Terry and Laynie Smith. The fourth set saw another comeback from Illinois after an initial deficit; they eventually won the set and match with a score of 25-19.

Next weekend, Illinois will participate in the Lippy Invite where they will face Missouri on Friday at 4 p.m. CT.

Key notes from the match include:

- Starters: Raina Terry, Brooke Mosher, Averie Hernandez, Cari Bohm, Ashlyn Philpot, Laynie Smith, and Christina Martinez Mundo.

- Illinois remains undefeated (4-0) when wearing long-sleeved white jerseys.

- The program is now 2-0 against WKU.

- In the third set alone, Illinois hit .516 with no errors.

- Raina Terry’s career total of 1,766 kills ranks her fifth all-time for Illinois.

- Chris Tamas holds a perfect record (2-0) against WKU as head coach.

- Attendance was reported at 552.