Chambana Sun

Illinois volleyball dropped a five-set match to Missouri at the Lippy Invite on Friday, moving their season record to 7-2. Mizzou concluded its non-conference slate with a 7-3 record.

The Fighting Illini recorded 55 kills and posted a .226 hitting percentage. The team logged double-digit blocks for the fourth time this season with 10 blocks in the loss.

Raina Terry led Illinois with 18 kills, while Averie Hernandez and Laynie Smith contributed 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Ashlyn Philpot amassed eight blocks defensively, and Christina Martinez Mundo recorded her first 20-dig match with Illinois.

Illinois struggled early in the match, allowing a five-point run to start the opening frame. Despite efforts to close the gap, they fell behind and lost the first set 25-17.

In the second set, Illinois broke through with a 5-0 run but eventually trailed before rallying late to win 25-22. Tied at one set each, Mizzou held a slight edge in the third set before securing it 25-21.

Facing elimination in the fourth set, Illinois rallied to hold a lead and ultimately won 25-20 after strong plays from Philpot and Terry. However, they faltered in the final frame, falling behind early and losing 15-12.

Next up for Illinois is a match against tournament host Lipscomb on Saturday at 6 p.m., available on ESPN+.

Notes:

- Starters: Raina Terry, Brooke Mosher, Averie Hernandez, Cari Bohm, Ashlyn Philpot, Lily Barry, Christina Martinez Mundo.

- The Illini wore long-sleeved orange jerseys.

- The Illinois volleyball program is now 7-2-1 against Mizzou.

- Illinois moved to 2-1 in five-set matches.

- Martinez Mundo's performance marked her first with Illinois and her career's 34th.

- Terry's career total of kills ranks her fourth all-time.

- Chris Tamas is now even at 1-1 against Missouri.

Attendance was reported at 110.