Chambana Sun

Illinois secured a straight-sets victory over Rutgers on Saturday night at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, New Jersey. The win improved the Fighting Illini's record to 5-1 in Big Ten conference play, marking their best start since 2011.

Taylor de Boer led Illinois with 16 kills and contributed two blocks. This was her sixth consecutive match with double-digit kills. Alyssa Aguayo also recorded double figures, finishing with 11 kills, three digs, a block, and an assist while hitting .333.

Other key contributors included Ashlyn Philpot with six kills and three blocks, Kayla Burbage who added four kills and five blocks, and Kenna Phelan who posted 32 assists along with nine digs, three kills, and a block. Averie Hernandez tied her career-high by serving four aces during the match.

The first set saw Illinois pull ahead after an early deficit using an 8-0 run with Kenzie Cogan at the service line. Despite Rutgers tying the score later in the set, Illinois regained control to close out the frame 25-20. In the second set, another scoring run helped Illinois establish a lead they would not relinquish, again winning 25-20. The third set was closely contested until Illinois won three of the last four points to complete the sweep.

Illinois finished with a .307 team hitting percentage for the match—its fifth time this season surpassing .300. The team has now hit above that mark in three conference matches this year.

Head coach Chris Tamas commented on his tenure milestone as he moved to a record of 159-99 while leading Illinois. With this result, Illinois extended its winning streak to three matches—tying its longest streak of the season—and improved its all-time record against Rutgers to 18-1.

Looking ahead, Illinois (10-5 overall) will continue its road trip next weekend facing Ohio State on Friday and Northwestern on Sunday. Both matches are scheduled to stream on B1G+.