Chambana Sun

The Illinois volleyball team faced a challenging match against #15 Minnesota, resulting in a four-set loss at Huff Hall on Wednesday. The defeat leaves the Fighting Illini with an 18-11 overall record and 10-9 in conference play, while the Golden Gophers improved to 19-10 for the season and 12-7 in the Big Ten.

Raina Terry led Illinois with an impressive performance, recording 20 kills, two blocks, and six digs. Laynie Smith also contributed significantly with 14 kills, marking her twelfth career double-digit kill game.

In the first set, Christina Martinez Mundo and Smith helped Illinois gain an early lead of 4-0. Despite Minnesota's efforts to tie at 8-8, Illinois managed to extend their advantage to win the set 25-20 after a decisive kill by Smith.

Minnesota responded strongly in the second set with a critical 7-2 run that forced Illinois into a timeout. The Golden Gophers maintained their momentum and won the set 25-18 following an error from Illinois.

The third set saw Minnesota take an early lead before Illinois rallied back with a significant run initiated by Smith's kill. However, Minnesota regained control and secured the set at 25-22.

Facing a two-to-one deficit, Illinois started strong in the fourth set but struggled to maintain their lead as Minnesota closed in. Despite reaching set point after Terry's twentieth kill of the match, Minnesota completed their comeback with Julia Hanson's final kill securing a narrow victory at 27-25.

Illinois will next travel to Bloomington to face Indiana on Friday at 6 p.m. CT on B1G+.

Key notes from this match include Raina Terry achieving over twenty kills for the sixth time this season and Laynie Smith reaching double-digit kills for her twelfth career instance. Attendance was recorded at 2,851 spectators.