Join the Illini for the Exciting Annual Pink Match Against Michigan State – Support a Great Cause!

MATCH 13

The Illinois volleyball team is back at Huff Hall this Sunday for their second Big Ten home match of the season. After suffering their first conference loss, they are eager to bounce back against Michigan State at 1 p.m. CT. This match also marks the Illini’s annual Pink Match, supporting breast cancer awareness.

Viewers can catch the action live on B1G+.

RECAP OF LAST GAME

In their last match, Illinois faced a tough opponent, losing to No. 7 Wisconsin in straight sets. This leaves them at 2-1 in the conference and 7-5 overall this season.

Star player Taylor de Boer led the offense with 13 kills and a .360 hitting percentage. She also contributed three digs and a block. Auburn Tomkinson followed her with seven kills and three blocks, while Alyssa Aguayo added six kills and six digs.

Kenzie Cogan set a career-high with 10 digs, while Taryn Kirsch and Averie Hernandez also made solid contributions on defense.

SAVVY SCOUTING ON MICHIGAN STATE

Michigan State comes into this match with a strong record of 12-1. They started their Big Ten run with wins against Michigan and Northwestern but lost to Minnesota. With 10 returning players, the Spartans also added a talented redshirt freshman setter, Malayah Long, who has already recorded nearly 500 assists this season.

The Spartans are led by Kristen Kelsay, a former player at MSU, who has extensive coaching experience in the Big Ten.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

As Illinois prepares to face Michigan State for the 86th time, they have a solid 57-28 record against the Spartans since 1975. Illinois has won the last eight encounters, and Michigan State is searching for their first win in Champaign since 2012.

NOTABLE ROAD VICTORY

Illinois recently achieved a significant milestone by beating No. 10 Purdue on the road. This victory marked their first win against a top-10 team since 2021 and improved their conference record to 2-0.

Ashlyn Philpot shone in that match, contributing 12 crucial kills. The team’s solid performance reflects their growth, especially after a challenging start.

KENNA PHELAN SHINES

Kenna Phelan, who was named the Big Ten Setter of the Week, has consistently led the team. In her two-match weekend, she averaged over 9 assists per set and secured her fourth double-double this season against Purdue.

FRESHMAN SENSATIONS

Freshman Alyssa Aguayo has made a mark, averaging 2.77 kills and contributing significantly to the team’s play, while fellow freshman Taryn Kirsch leads in digs. Both have become key players early in their careers.

NEW BLOOD ON THE TEAM

This season, Illinois added nine newcomers, including talents who have collegiate experience. The mix of young talent and seasoned players aims to strengthen the team’s future.

COACHING CHANGES

Chris Tamas, now in his eighth season, continues to establish a positive impact on the Illinois program. His record is impressive, with five NCAA tournament appearances. His coaching strategies focus on continuous improvement and adapting to the competition.

With the Illini set to feature in nine nationally televised matches this season, the spotlight is firmly on them. They hope to build on their successes and stride confidently into the next phase of their season.

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