Illinois secured a decisive victory against Iowa at Xtream Arena on Friday night, winning in straight sets. This win brought Illinois' record to 14-11 overall and 9-6 in Big Ten play, while Iowa fell to 8-19 overall and remains winless in league play with a 0-15 record.
The Fighting Illini registered 47 kills with a .311 hitting percentage. Raina Terry led the team with 15 kills and recorded her second double-double of the season by adding 12 digs. Terry also matched her season-high with four aces. Jessica Nunge contributed 12 kills, while Kennedy Collins added ten and three blocks.
In the opening set, Illinois took an early lead thanks to a six-point run served by Terry, prompting an early timeout from Iowa. The teams exchanged points until Cari Bohm's kill helped secure a 16-12 advantage for Illinois. The set concluded with a kill from Nunge and a tip from Terry for a 25-20 win.
Terry's consecutive aces gave Illinois an early edge in the second set. A kill by Kayla Burbage extended their lead to five points at 15-10. Despite Iowa's attempts to close the gap, Illinois finished strong with another ace from Terry and ended the frame on a four-point run capped by Bohm's block for a final score of 25-16.
In the third set, Illinois maintained control with contributions from Burbage and Terry, leading to an early timeout from Iowa at 14-7. Nunge delivered back-to-back kills as part of a three-point run that increased their lead to ten points. Collins' three consecutive aces brought Illinois to match point before Bohm secured the sweep with a final score of 25-13.
Illinois will continue its road trip facing #1 Nebraska on Sunday afternoon at B1G+ network.
Key statistics include:
- The starting lineup featured Brooke Mosher, Raina Terry, Kayla Burbage, Kennedy Collins, Jessica Nunge, Cari Bohm, and Caroline Barnes.
- This victory improved their record to 2-0 using this lineup.
- Head coach Chris Tamas maintains an undefeated record against Iowa at 12 wins.
- Attendance was reported at 1,610 fans.
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