Chambana Sun

The Illinois volleyball team secured a significant victory over #16 Purdue at Huff Hall, marking their first win against a ranked opponent this season. The Illini, now 12-10 overall and 7-5 in conference play, defeated the Boilermakers 3-1. This win ended Purdue's four-match winning streak and dropped them to 14-7 overall and 8-4 in Big Ten matches.

Illinois held Purdue to a .118 hitting percentage, their lowest of the season. After losing the first set, Illinois rallied to win three consecutive sets, extending their own winning streak to five matches.

Raina Terry led Illinois with 19 kills. Brooke Mosher achieved a career-high of 47 assists and contributed two aces, four kills, and six blocks. Kennedy Collins added nine blocks and nine kills. Kayla Burbage and Jessica Nunge each recorded seven kills. Cari Bohm matched her career-high with seven blocks, while Caroline Barnes made a team-high 16 digs.

The match saw both teams initially exchanging runs in the opening set before Purdue claimed it 25-20. Illinois responded by taking the second set 25-19 after a decisive rally that included three aces and five blocks.

In the third set, Illinois overcame a challenge from Purdue to win 26-24. They maintained momentum into the fourth set with an early lead and closed out the match with a strong defensive performance, winning the final frame 25-18.

Looking ahead, Illinois will conclude its homestand against Northwestern on Wednesday night at Huff Hall.

Key notes include:

- The Illini wore long-sleeved pink jerseys for their annual Pink Match.

- The program improved its all-time record against Purdue to 51-45.

- Head coach Chris Tamas has a personal record of 6-5 against Purdue.