Chris Tamas Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Chris Tamas Head Coach | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Illinois defeated Michigan State in a five-set match on Sunday afternoon at Huff Hall, improving their Big Ten record to 3-1. The Fighting Illini have now won three consecutive home games and remain unbeaten in five-set matches this season.
The team closed the decisive fifth set with an 11-1 run. Kenna Phelan led Illinois with a career-high 57 assists, nine digs, three blocks, two solo blocks, and two kills. Phelan’s assist total is the highest for an Illinois player since September 6, 2019.
Alyssa Aguayo recorded her sixth double-double of the season, finishing with a career-best 18 kills and 10 digs. She also contributed two blocks, two aces, and two assists. Taylor de Boer matched her career high with 18 kills on 41 attempts and had one block.
Ashlyn Philpot added 13 kills while hitting .611, along with two aces, six digs, and three blocks. Kayla Burbage posted a season-high 11 kills at a .476 hitting percentage and equaled her season best with six blocks.
On defense, Taryn Kirsch led the team with 19 digs and five assists. Averie Hernandez contributed 12 digs, a kill, and an ace; Kenzie Cogan had eight digs and set a new personal best with three aces.
Auburn Tomkinson provided eight kills and five blocks.
The first set was closely contested before Michigan State pulled ahead late to win it 25-22. Illinois responded by taking the second set after tying at 24-all. In the third set, Illinois used a strong scoring stretch to secure a comfortable lead and won the frame 25-18. Michigan State forced a fifth set after winning another close fourth frame.
In the final set, Illinois went on an eight-point run with Vivian Campbell serving. After ending Michigan State’s brief response, Illinois secured victory by winning the last three points of the match.
Head coach Chris Tamas achieved his 157th win as leader of the program. The Illini now hold a historical record of 58-28 against Michigan State and have won their last nine meetings against them.
Illinois registered its highest kill total of the season (71), which is also their most in a Big Ten match since March 2021 and most at Huff Hall since November 2018. The team also reached a season-best in digs (69).
Illinois will begin a four-match road trip next week against Maryland on Friday night and Rutgers on Saturday night.
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