Chambana Sun

The Illinois volleyball team concluded a three-game homestand with a decisive victory over Ohio State at Huff Hall on Saturday. The Fighting Illini's performance improved their overall record to 17-7 and 9-5 in conference play, while the Buckeyes fell to 11-13 and 4-10 in the Big Ten, ending their three-game winning streak.

Key players for Illinois included Averie Hernandez and Ashlyn Philpot, each contributing 11 kills. Philpot also achieved a .667 hitting percentage and six blocks. Brooke Mosher recorded a double-double with 37 assists and 14 digs, while Christina Martinez Mundo led the team with 15 digs.

In the first set, Philpot helped Illinois gain an early lead, prompting Ohio State to take a timeout when trailing 12-7. The Illini extended their advantage to 18-8 after the break. Despite a late push from Ohio State, Philpot secured the set for Illinois at 25-18.

Ohio State initially led in the second set before Hernandez and Raina Terry shifted momentum back to Illinois. The set was tightly contested with several ties and lead changes, but ultimately ended with back-to-back kills from Hernandez and a block by Mosher and Cari Bohm, giving Illinois a narrow 27-25 win.

Illinois maintained their momentum into the third set, leading early on. A series of errors by Ohio State allowed Illinois to widen their lead further. Although Ohio State managed an eight-point run late in the set, Illinois responded strongly to close out the match at 25-20.

The Fighting Illini will next travel to University Park, Pennsylvania, to face #3 Penn State on Friday.

Notes from the match include:

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

- Illinois wore long-sleeved white jerseys and have remained undefeated while wearing them this season.

- Chris Tamas improved his coaching record against Ohio State to 7-5.

- Attendance was reported at 3,335.