Chambana Sun

Illinois lost to top-ranked Nebraska in straight sets on Thursday night at the Devaney Center in Lincoln. The defeat puts Illinois at 12-10 overall and 7-6 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska remains undefeated this season.

Taylor de Boer led Illinois with eight kills and matched her career-high with three blocks. Auburn Tomkinson contributed six kills, a block, an assist, and a dig. Ashlyn Philpot added five kills and one block. Gabby Dean achieved career-highs with two kills and two blocks, all in the third set, and Kayla Burbage also recorded two blocks. Taryn Kirsch led the team in digs with six.

“Taylor de Boer tallied a team-high eight kills while making three blocks,” the release stated. “Tied her career-high with three blocks. Has at least one block in 12 of the Illini's 13 conference matches. Made multiple blocks for the eighth time this season.”

The release continued: “Gabby Dean totaled two kills and two blocks. Set career-highs in both kills and blocks in the contest. Marked the second and third blocks of her career. Also marked the second and third kills of her career.”

Head coach Chris Tamas now holds a record of 161-104 during his tenure leading Illinois. The Illini are now 2-27 all-time when facing the number one ranked team and have moved to 8-37-1 against Nebraska historically.

Illinois has played 11 true road matches this season, winning seven of them. In matches decided by three sets, they have a record of 6-5.

Next for Illinois is a home match against #25 Penn State on Sunday afternoon at Huff Hall in Champaign. The game will start at 3:30 p.m. CT and be broadcast nationally on Big Ten Network.