Chambana Sun

Illinois volleyball team secured a five-set victory over Lipscomb on Saturday night in Nashville, closing out the Lippy Invite. The Fighting Illini concluded their non-conference schedule with an 8-2 record, while the Bisons fell to 3-8.

The Orange and Blue recorded 54 kills and a .271 hitting percentage, alongside 58 digs, 49 assists, 12 blocks, and nine service aces. Raina Terry led the team with 23 kills and five aces. Christina Martinez Mundo achieved a season-high of 26 digs, while Cari Bohm and Laynie Smith each contributed six blocks.

In the first set, Illinois held a narrow lead at the media break and extended it following back-to-back aces by Averie Hernandez. A kill from Hernandez brought Illinois to set point, and a Lipscomb service error sealed the 25-17 win for Illinois.

The second set remained close until a Lipscomb rally prompted an Illinois timeout with the Illini trailing. Despite tying the frame at 21 after Terry's third ace of the day, Illinois could not regain the lead and lost the set 25-22.

With both teams tied at one set each, Illinois struggled in the third set due to back-to-back errors. Although they narrowed Lipscomb's lead to two points following a kill from Ashlyn Philpot, they ultimately lost the set 25-18.

Illinois started strong in the fourth set with an early lead that extended to eight points following a timeout by Lipscomb. The Illini maintained momentum with Terry contributing six kills to secure a 25-15 win in this frame.

The final set began with an initial rally by Illinois but saw Lipscomb equalize at four points apiece. A block by Bohm and Hernandez gave Illinois an edge at the media timeout. Following another tie at nine points each, Illinois managed three consecutive points including two kills from Terry to take a late advantage. A kill from Philpot gave Illinois match point, which was finalized by a Lipscomb attack error for a 15-10 victory.

Next up for Illinois is Big Ten play against #12 Oregon on Friday night.

Notes:

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

- The Illini wore long-sleeved white jerseys and are now undefeated (4-0) when wearing them.

- Head coach Chris Tamas has led Illinois to a perfect record (2-0) against Lipscomb.

- The team improved to 3-1 in five-set matches this season.

- This match marked their fifth double-digit block performance of the year.

- Both Terry and Martinez Mundo were named to the all-tournament team.

- Martinez Mundo recorded her second consecutive match with over 20 digs.

- This also marked her 35th career match achieving over 20 digs.

- Terry’s performance included her career’s 23rd instance of recording more than 20 kills in a match.

- In the final two sets alone she tallied ten kills without any errors.

- Her five aces were also her highest this season.

Attendance was reported as being at 440.