Chambana Sun

Illinois secured a five-set victory against Notre Dame on Friday night at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. After falling behind 2-1 in the match, Illinois rallied to win the final two sets, improving their season record to 2-1 and extending their winning streak to two matches.

Ashlyn Philpot led Illinois with 17 kills, matching her career-best mark while posting a .556 hitting percentage. She also contributed seven total blocks, including two solo. Auburn Tomkinson achieved a new personal best with 14 kills and added two blocks and one dig. Taylor de Boer and Alyssa Aguayo each registered 10 kills for the third consecutive match; de Boer also had three digs and two blocks, while Aguayo recorded five digs, three blocks, and two assists.

Kenna Phelan tallied her first double-double of the season with 45 assists and 11 digs. Taryn Kirsch posted a team-high and career-most 17 digs along with four assists.

As a team, Illinois matched its season-high with seven aces and finished with a combined .270 hitting percentage.

In set play, Notre Dame took the first set after building an early lead despite late efforts by Illinois. The Illini responded in the second set by erasing an early deficit and holding off Notre Dame's rally to even the match. In the third set, Notre Dame gained another advantage but Illinois narrowed the gap before losing narrowly. Illinois dominated much of the fourth set to force a fifth frame.

The Illini carried momentum into the deciding fifth set by taking an early lead that they maintained until closing out the match for their first five-set win of the season.

"Ashlyn Philpot finished the night with a team-high 17 kills on a .556 clip.Philpot's 17 kills matched a career-high, which she also recorded against USC on Nov. 8, 2024."

"Auburn Tomkinson posted her second double-digit kills effort with her career-high 14 kills.Has 10+ kills in two of her three career collegiate appearances."

"Alyssa Aguayo amassed 10 kills, along with five digs, three blocks, and two assists.Now has double-digit kills in each of her first three matches to begin her collegiate career."

"Taylor de Boer totaled 10 kills, three digs, and two blocks.Has 10+ kills in each of her first three matches."

"Kenna Phelan accumulated 45 assists and 11 digs.

Her 45-assist, 11-dig effort was the seventh double-double of her career and her first this season.

Now has two career 40-assist outings (both this season; most recently with 48 assists against South Dakota State on Aug.29 in her Illini debut)"

"Taryn Kirsch logged a team-high and career-most 17 digs in the win.

Has10+ digs in two ofthefirstthree matchesofher collegiatecareer.

Has at least nine digs in all three matches thus far this season."

"Illinois' seven aces equaledthe team'sseason-best output.

TheIllini had four players finishwithdouble-digitkillsforthefirsttimethisseason.

Head coach ChrisTamas movedto151-95 overall during his timeatth ehelmofth eIllini."

"The Illini movedto6-2all-timeagainstNotreDame.UI is2-1all-timeintrue roadmatchesagainsttheFightingIrish.Illinois snappeda twomatchskidagainstNotreDame ,registeringitsfirstwinovertheFightingIrishsinceOct.22 ,1991."

"Illinoisisnow1-0infive-setmatchesthisseason.TheIlliniimprovedto1-0whenwearingorangelongsleevedjerseys.Illinoisisnow1-0intrue roadmatchesthisseason."

Next up for Illinois is an away game against No.3 Louisville at KFC Yum! Center on Sunday afternoon.The nationally televised contest will air on ESPN.