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 Maryland in a four-set match at Schanwald Pavilion in College Park, Maryland, on Friday night, improving their Big Ten record to 4-1. The win marks the team's best start to conference play through five matches under head coach Chris Tamas.
After losing the first set, Illinois won the next three sets. Auburn Tomkinson led with a career-high 17 kills and six blocks, reaching double-digit kills for the sixth time this season. Ashlyn Philpot contributed 11 kills and six blocks, setting a new season-high for blocks in conference play. Taylor de Boer also recorded 11 kills, while Alyssa Aguayo had seven kills and matched her career-high with four aces, including three consecutive aces to close out the third set.
Kayla Burbage achieved a season-best seven blocks. Taryn Kirsch tied her career-high with 21 digs, and Kenzie Cogan posted a personal best of 11 digs. Kenna Phelan finished with 42 assists, eight digs, five blocks, two kills, and an ace.
The match saw several momentum shifts. Maryland took the first set after a late run but Illinois responded by overcoming deficits in subsequent sets. In the second set, Illinois rallied from behind with Aguayo serving to secure a comeback win at 25-23. The third set was highlighted by Tomkinson's new kill record and Aguayo's service streak that clinched it for Illinois at 25-18. In the fourth set, Illinois maintained control after breaking an early tie and secured victory with a 25-23 score.
Illinois' defensive effort resulted in a season-high 15 total blocks, matching their highest mark since October 2023 against Purdue. They held Maryland to a .109 hitting percentage, which is the second-lowest allowed by Illinois this season.
With this result, head coach Chris Tamas improved his overall record at Illinois to 158-99. The Illini remain undefeated against Maryland all-time (17-0) and have not lost in seven away matches against them.
Illinois now has an overall record of 9-5 (4-1 Big Ten) and will continue their road trip with a match against Rutgers on Saturday night at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Alerts Sign-up