Illinois volleyball returns home to continue Big Ten play

Soccer (4-10 overall, 1-5 Big Ten)

Before Illinois could end its losing streak, the Illini added one more loss this past week. The team traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana, to take on the Purdue Boilermakers where they competed in a close contest that ended in a 1-0 loss for the Fighting Illini. Despite a strong performance by keeper Jaelyn Cunningham, who recorded six saves on the night, a first-half goal by the Boilermakers was enough to seal a victory.

Illinois went into its match against Indiana on a seven-game losing streak, but thanks to senior Kara Marbury that finally came to an end. Marbury recorded her first two goals of the season against the Hoosiers and sophomore Kelly Maday made her season total two, as well. The Fighting Illini put together an overall impressive showing on both ends of the ball and walked out of Bloomington with a 3-1 victory. Not to mention, their first Big Ten win.

Next Week’s Schedule:

10/7 - vs. Northwestern

10/12 - vs. Wisconsin

Volleyball (12-3 overall, 3-1 Big Ten)

The Nittany Lions demonstrated why they’re the No. 1 team in the country this past week as they took care of business against a good Fighting Illini squad. Illinois went into Happy Valley on a five-match win streak but dropped the game in three sets to Penn State to move to 2-1 in Big Ten play. Fortunately for Illinois, it didn’t take long to get back to their winning ways as they swept through their its next opponent, Rutgers. The team served a season-high nine aces and were lead by Ali Bastianelli’s nine kills and three blocks.

The Fighting Illini currently sit as the 24th best team in the country.

Next Week’s Schedule:

10/6 - vs. Purdue

10/7 - vs. Indiana