Illinois Olympic Sports Update (September 5 - September 11)

Soccer (3-5 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)

The Fighting Illini soccer team had a rough go in the Sooner State this past week. Illinois went scoreless for only the second time this season when they took on No. 18 Oklahoma State on September 8th. The Cowgirls went up early, finding the back of the net twice in the first half. Illinois was outshot 22-12, and the Cowgirls cruised to an easy victory.

Two days later Illinois took on Oklahoma where, once again, it fell behind early after the Sooners scored in the 24th minute. Fighting Illini Junior Katie Murray, scored her first goal of the season in the second half to tie the game. Unfortunately for Illinois, the Sooners bounced back fast and netted the go-ahead goal to go on and win the game, 2-1.

Next Week’s Schedule:

9/14 - @ Ohio State

9/17 - @ Penn State

Volleyball (6-2 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)

Illinois’ perfect record is no more. After a tough matchup this past week against former head coach Kevin Hambly and No. 4 Stanford, the Fighting Illini were swept and put their first loss on the board. The Illini hung around in each set (25-23, 25-23, and 25-22) but failed to finish strong. Despite the loss, Illinois fans put on an impressive show, packing Huff Hall and giving the team a sold-out crowd.

Only a day after facing Stanford, Illinois faced Colorado in a closely contested match. Illini outside hitter Beth Prince produced a career-high 25 kills, and junior Jordyn Poulter tied her career-high in assists (60). The match went five sets with Illinois losing the first but winning the second and third. The Illini just couldn’t hold on, however, as they dropped the final fourth and fifth set to drop their second match of the young season.

Next Week’s Schedule:

9/15 - vs. Chattanooga

9/16 - vs. Tennessee State & Missouri State

Men’s Cross Country

The Fighting Illini men’s cross country team won the John McNichols Invite in Terre Haute, Indiana, this past weekend. Illinois had four out of five top finishers that helped propel them to a 22-point finish, which beat Indiana State and Louisville.

Next Week’s Schedule:

The team has no events next week.