Chambana Sun

Illinois women's volleyball team achieved its first win over a ranked opponent this season, defeating #10 Purdue in four sets on Sunday in West Lafayette. The victory marks the Illini's first over a top-10 team since 2021 and extends their current winning streak to three matches. With this result, Illinois improved to 2-0 in Big Ten play and 7-4 overall.

The match took place at Mackey Arena, where Illinois managed to secure a road win against a Purdue squad that had not lost at home to an unranked team since October 2023. The Illini also ended Purdue’s seven-match winning streak.

Ashlyn Philpot recorded 12 kills, including the final point of the match, and contributed four blocks. She said her performance was highlighted by accounting for the team's last three kills. Taylor de Boer led all players with 17 kills and added a block and a dig. Alyssa Aguayo and Auburn Tomkinson each finished with 11 kills; Tomkinson also posted a career-high five blocks.

Defensively, Taryn Kirsch set a new personal best with 21 digs, while Kenna Phelan registered her fourth double-double of the season with 39 assists and 10 digs.

After splitting the first two sets—Illinois taking the opener 25-21 and Purdue answering with a dominant second set—the Illini regained control in the third set, holding off a late surge from Purdue to win it 25-23. In the fourth set, Illinois overcame a five-point deficit late in the frame, closing on a decisive run that included capitalizing on a Purdue service error before Philpot delivered the match-winning kill.

Illinois’ win brings their record against ranked opponents this season to 1-1 and improves their all-time record against Purdue to 52-46. Head coach Chris Tamas now holds an overall record of 156-98 during his tenure with Illinois.

The Illini will continue their road stretch with another top-10 matchup at #7 Wisconsin on Thursday night in Madison.