Chambana Sun

Illinois opened its Big Ten volleyball season with a 3-0 victory over Oregon at Huff Hall on Friday night. The win improved the Fighting Illini's record to 6-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while also marking the program’s 500th all-time Big Ten win. Oregon, which had been receiving votes in the latest AVCA poll, suffered its second loss of the season.

This result marked Illinois' first sweep in a conference opener since 2017 and their first Big Ten opening win since 2022. Head coach Chris Tamas reached a career record of 155-98 with the Illini following this match.

Taylor de Boer led Illinois with 15 kills on a .429 hitting percentage, also contributing two digs and a block. "Had double-digit kills for the eighth time this season.Led the team in kills for the seventh time. Her .429 hitting percentage set a new season-best tally. Has a block in three of the last four matches and in six matches overall. Made multiple digs for the fourth time this season."

Alyssa Aguayo, making her Big Ten debut, recorded 10 kills at a .286 rate and added five digs. "Has 10+ kills in eight of her 10 career collegiate matches.Has double-digit kills in back-to-back matches. Has 5+ digs in nine of her first 10 collegiate appearances."

Auburn Tomkinson contributed nine kills on .389 hitting, three blocks, and two digs. "Finished with at least eight kills for the seventh time this season.Has multiple digs in six matches this season. Had at least three blocks for the fifth time. Has at least three blocks in back-to-back matches for the first time in her career/this season. Made multiple blocks for the ninth time this season. Her .389 hitting percentage is the second-highest in her career."

Kayla Burbage posted eight kills and three blocks while swinging at an .889 clip. "Has at least three blocks in each of the last five matches. Has at least three blocks in eight outings this season. Has multiple blocks in seven straight matches and in nine appearances overall." She also tallied at least eight kills for only her third match this year.

Defensively, Kenna Phelan provided seven digs to go along with her 27 assists, ace, and block; Kenzie Cogan matched that total with seven digs as well—a personal best after entering with just one dig previously.

Vivian Campbell and Averie Hernandez each delivered two aces from behind the service line.

The team hit a collective .362—its best mark since September 2023—and held Oregon to just .194 hitting efficiency, which was Oregon’s second-lowest rate so far this year.

Illinois overcame an early deficit during set one before closing out on a decisive run to take it 26-24. They controlled sets two (25-15) and three (25-18), securing their fourth sweep of the current campaign.

With Friday's outcome, Illinois now holds a 3-3 all-time record against Oregon but remains undefeated (3-0) when hosting them at home—their first win over Oregon since August 2008.

Attendance was reported as 3,316 spectators.

Illinois next faces #10 Purdue away on Sunday; that match will be broadcast nationally on Big Ten Network.