Sunday, December 18, 2011
Championship Dreams Blocked
It's probably more fun to win the last game of the season than it is to lose, and there's not much comfort in the fact that you played the last game of the season. But what a season, girls!
The Illini volleyball team fell to the UCLA Bruins 3-1 in the NCAA National Championship Saturday night. The girls fought hard, but nerves must have been an issue, as they made some uncharacteristic mistakes - the most obvious being the 11 service errors.
One surprise of this match was how the taller Illini struggled against the UCLA block. That stat belonged to the Bruins. And they made fewer mistakes.
Momentum was a another major factor. The first set was tight the whole way, with UCLA winning 25-23. The Illini trailed in the second set, but caught fire at the end to win 25-23. And they carried that momentum into the third set, leading most of the way. But then the Illini choked, and lost a couple set points, allowing UCLA to come back to win 26-24. After that, it was all Bruins, who cruised to the championship 25-16 in the fourth set.
The Illini were led, as usual, by outside hitters - and seniors - Michelle Bartsch and Colleen Ward. These girls will be missed next year, but they've left a legacy of winning. The experienced gained by younger players in this tournament run should serve the program well in the coming years.
The loss hurts, but thank you, girls, for solidifying the Illini as a national presence in collegiate volleyball. Although this was the first time we played in the last game of the year, I'm confident it won't be the last.
Go Illini!
|
The Illini volleyball team fell to the UCLA Bruins 3-1 in the NCAA National Championship Saturday night. The girls fought hard, but nerves must have been an issue, as they made some uncharacteristic mistakes - the most obvious being the 11 service errors.
One surprise of this match was how the taller Illini struggled against the UCLA block. That stat belonged to the Bruins. And they made fewer mistakes.
Momentum was a another major factor. The first set was tight the whole way, with UCLA winning 25-23. The Illini trailed in the second set, but caught fire at the end to win 25-23. And they carried that momentum into the third set, leading most of the way. But then the Illini choked, and lost a couple set points, allowing UCLA to come back to win 26-24. After that, it was all Bruins, who cruised to the championship 25-16 in the fourth set.
The Illini were led, as usual, by outside hitters - and seniors - Michelle Bartsch and Colleen Ward. These girls will be missed next year, but they've left a legacy of winning. The experienced gained by younger players in this tournament run should serve the program well in the coming years.
The loss hurts, but thank you, girls, for solidifying the Illini as a national presence in collegiate volleyball. Although this was the first time we played in the last game of the year, I'm confident it won't be the last.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:58 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2011
On the Doorstep
The Illini volleyball program has been on trajectory to land in a national championship game for the past few years. And with a win over USC in five sets Thursday night to make it to Saturday's national title game, Coach Kevin Hambly has his team on the doorstep of their first NCAA title.
The semifinal match was tough. USC held on to win the first set 27-25, but with strong blocking and powerful hitting, the Illini took the next two sets. In the forth set, the Trojans took control near the end to force a fifth set. The Illini fought hard to pull even, and finally pull ahead 10-9 with fantastic hitting from freshman Liz McMahon. The Illini ended up winning the final set - and the entire match - on an incredibly long, hard-fought set-point volley.
The whole match was intense, and very well played. Senior outside hitters Colleen Ward and Michelle Bartsch did their thing, combining for 49 kills. But this was a team win, with key contributions all around the court.
As tired as I am after watching that match, I can only imagine that the girls are exhausted, but they have 2 days to get ready to play UCLA for the NCAA title. The Lady Bruins swept Florida State in the first match of the evening.
So Saturday, after enjoying the annual United Center basketball game, be sure to catch the national championship game.
Go Illini!
|
The semifinal match was tough. USC held on to win the first set 27-25, but with strong blocking and powerful hitting, the Illini took the next two sets. In the forth set, the Trojans took control near the end to force a fifth set. The Illini fought hard to pull even, and finally pull ahead 10-9 with fantastic hitting from freshman Liz McMahon. The Illini ended up winning the final set - and the entire match - on an incredibly long, hard-fought set-point volley.
The whole match was intense, and very well played. Senior outside hitters Colleen Ward and Michelle Bartsch did their thing, combining for 49 kills. But this was a team win, with key contributions all around the court.
As tired as I am after watching that match, I can only imagine that the girls are exhausted, but they have 2 days to get ready to play UCLA for the NCAA title. The Lady Bruins swept Florida State in the first match of the evening.
So Saturday, after enjoying the annual United Center basketball game, be sure to catch the national championship game.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 11:06 PM
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Final Four
Coach Kevin Hambly and his Fighting Illini volleyball team are headed to San Antonio next weekend for the national volleyball championship semi-finals. After beating both Ohio State and Florida in hard-fought matches in Gainsville this weekend, the Illini have reached the the Final Four!
Led by seniors Colleen Ward and Michelle Bartsch, and with strong support from rising freshman standouts Liz McMahon and Anna Dorn, the Illini continue to extend their season. The Florida match was tough, but the Illini won 3-1 with an almost unstoppable performance by Ward (a Florida transfer). The whole team contributed to the win, with great leadership from setter Annie Luhrsen, solid defense from libero Jennifer Beltran, key hits and blocks from Erin Johnson and support in the backcourt and on the service line from Rachel Feldman. These girls are fun -- and exhausting -- to watch.
The Florida match was broadcast on ESPNU, and despite the encouragement from the commentators and the highlight reel team, the Gators weren't able to overcome the Illini. Not sure why the analysis was so pro-Florida, but it was a bit annoying.
The Illini are the highest remaining seed in the tournament, ranked 3rd overall going into it. They spent 4 weeks at #1 during the season, longer than any other team. And although they finished tied for second in the Big Ten (arguably the toughest volleyball conference in the nation) they are the only conference team still in the national title hunt. They will take on USC Thursday night.
Congratulations, girls! And Go Illini!
|
Led by seniors Colleen Ward and Michelle Bartsch, and with strong support from rising freshman standouts Liz McMahon and Anna Dorn, the Illini continue to extend their season. The Florida match was tough, but the Illini won 3-1 with an almost unstoppable performance by Ward (a Florida transfer). The whole team contributed to the win, with great leadership from setter Annie Luhrsen, solid defense from libero Jennifer Beltran, key hits and blocks from Erin Johnson and support in the backcourt and on the service line from Rachel Feldman. These girls are fun -- and exhausting -- to watch.
The Florida match was broadcast on ESPNU, and despite the encouragement from the commentators and the highlight reel team, the Gators weren't able to overcome the Illini. Not sure why the analysis was so pro-Florida, but it was a bit annoying.
The Illini are the highest remaining seed in the tournament, ranked 3rd overall going into it. They spent 4 weeks at #1 during the season, longer than any other team. And although they finished tied for second in the Big Ten (arguably the toughest volleyball conference in the nation) they are the only conference team still in the national title hunt. They will take on USC Thursday night.
Congratulations, girls! And Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 2:07 PM
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Love, Loss and What I Wore
It's a book I haven't read and a delightful play I just saw.
It also summarizes my thoughts on Illini sports during the month of October.
Love: I love my team. I often claim to bleed orange and blue. I watch. I cheer. I agonize. I rejoice. I support. I am committed to the Illini.
Loss: It started with the first play of the Indiana game - a kickoff returned for a Hoosier TD. The Illini special teams just seemed to have lost the ball carrier. Fortunately, the Illini got that turned around by the end of the first half, and went on to win in Bloomington.
Then came Stripe the Stadium (which looked really, really cool). The Buckeyes were desperate, and they have a very strong defense. It was a battle, and Illini lost turnovers were the difference in a depressing game. The Illini were poised to take off, with a very manageable remaining schedule, minus Wisconsin at home. And they couldn't go anywhere. They struggled to move (and hold on to) the ball. And the Illini picked up their first loss of the season.
Last Saturday the Illini were on the road for the second time this season. And in West Lafayette they picked up right where they left off, allowing big runs on D and struggling to move the ball on offense. Again miscues led to a very disappointing loss. I honestly don't want to dwell on it.
Later in the day, the #1 Illini volleyball team faced their toughest test of the season so far, on the road at #4 Nebraska, who were also undefeated in Big Ten play. This was a great volleyball match. The Huskers jumped out in every set, but in the first one, the Illini fought back and ground out a win. The second set was back and forth, but the Huskers finally pulled it out in the end. And somewhere along the way, the Illini lost their spark. They went on to lose their first match of the season 3-1 in Lincoln.
During the month of October these Illini teams felt the sting of loss.
What I wore: I'm not a fashionista by any stretch. Nor am I superstitious. But the last two Saturdays, I wore my bright orange sweater. It isn't exactly Illini attire, but I intentionally wear it to support my team when I can't wear my team gear. Or I did until last Saturday. I will find something else to wear this Saturday. That will be my effort help the Illini make a better showing in Happy Valley this weekend.
But losses and all, I still say, Go Illini!
|
It also summarizes my thoughts on Illini sports during the month of October.
Love: I love my team. I often claim to bleed orange and blue. I watch. I cheer. I agonize. I rejoice. I support. I am committed to the Illini.
Loss: It started with the first play of the Indiana game - a kickoff returned for a Hoosier TD. The Illini special teams just seemed to have lost the ball carrier. Fortunately, the Illini got that turned around by the end of the first half, and went on to win in Bloomington.
Then came Stripe the Stadium (which looked really, really cool). The Buckeyes were desperate, and they have a very strong defense. It was a battle, and Illini lost turnovers were the difference in a depressing game. The Illini were poised to take off, with a very manageable remaining schedule, minus Wisconsin at home. And they couldn't go anywhere. They struggled to move (and hold on to) the ball. And the Illini picked up their first loss of the season.
Last Saturday the Illini were on the road for the second time this season. And in West Lafayette they picked up right where they left off, allowing big runs on D and struggling to move the ball on offense. Again miscues led to a very disappointing loss. I honestly don't want to dwell on it.
Later in the day, the #1 Illini volleyball team faced their toughest test of the season so far, on the road at #4 Nebraska, who were also undefeated in Big Ten play. This was a great volleyball match. The Huskers jumped out in every set, but in the first one, the Illini fought back and ground out a win. The second set was back and forth, but the Huskers finally pulled it out in the end. And somewhere along the way, the Illini lost their spark. They went on to lose their first match of the season 3-1 in Lincoln.
During the month of October these Illini teams felt the sting of loss.
What I wore: I'm not a fashionista by any stretch. Nor am I superstitious. But the last two Saturdays, I wore my bright orange sweater. It isn't exactly Illini attire, but I intentionally wear it to support my team when I can't wear my team gear. Or I did until last Saturday. I will find something else to wear this Saturday. That will be my effort help the Illini make a better showing in Happy Valley this weekend.
But losses and all, I still say, Go Illini!
Labels: Illini football, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:17 PM
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Unbeaten
That sounds really, really good. Especially to the #1 Illini volleyball team. They've played a couple top-15 Big Ten teams in the last couple weeks on their way to that #1 ranking and 15-0 record. Michelle Bartsch and Colleen Ward are leading the Illini in kills, while Anna Dorn and Erin Johnson are leading the team in blocks. Overall, this team is on a roll. Keep your eyes on these girls!
Note to the BTN: I would like to see an Illini volleyball game on your network broadcast schedule. Thanks much!
Unbeaten also sounds good to the (barely) 5-0 Illini football team. The last two gave have been...adventures. But the Illini have managed to pull out wins, despite nerve-wracking finishes. After coming from behind and way behind, I believe this team is building character and confidence that will serve them well through the rest of the season.
The Big Ten opener against Northwestern reinforced some of the weaknesses Western Michigan exposed the week before. The Illini seem to forget how to play defense for long stretches. Special teams aren't all that special. And, the running game is fading painfully.
But when these boys get hot, on either side of the ball, they are on fire. The Illini looked much, much better in the 4th quarter against Northwestern (minus the fumble). They seem to respond well to pressure.
Nate Scheelhaase is growing up as we watch. His passing has improved, but there are still times he should pull the ball down and run. And that option pitch fumble...ugh. But he did throw to a few more guys this week, although A.J. Jenkins is his obvious favorite. Congrats, Nathan, on setting your career passing record! Way to answer Dan Persa's impressive return.
Speaking of Jenkins, he's playing really, really well. And he's fun to watch. Congrats, A.J., on the Illini receiving record.
The penalties and turnovers against the Wildcats were ugly. But Northwestern deserves plenty of credit. Dan Persa proved that his team missed him, with 4 TD passes and plenty of jaw-dropping escapes from a very tough Illini D. His wide receivers came through, too. These boys were the first to get points off an Illini turnover all season.
On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats stopped the run effectively, holding the Illini to less than 100 yards as a team. Their defense did a great job forcing turnovers, including Jason Ford's fumble.
And the final NW play of the game was brilliant. The cross-field pass to Kain Colter and keeping the ball alive for a long time...they probably deserved to come away from this game with the upset.
But the Illini stiffened up on D and got the ball moving. The comeback was impressive. And Ron Zook's team is still unbeaten.
Go Illini!
|
Note to the BTN: I would like to see an Illini volleyball game on your network broadcast schedule. Thanks much!
Unbeaten also sounds good to the (barely) 5-0 Illini football team. The last two gave have been...adventures. But the Illini have managed to pull out wins, despite nerve-wracking finishes. After coming from behind and way behind, I believe this team is building character and confidence that will serve them well through the rest of the season.
The Big Ten opener against Northwestern reinforced some of the weaknesses Western Michigan exposed the week before. The Illini seem to forget how to play defense for long stretches. Special teams aren't all that special. And, the running game is fading painfully.
But when these boys get hot, on either side of the ball, they are on fire. The Illini looked much, much better in the 4th quarter against Northwestern (minus the fumble). They seem to respond well to pressure.
Nate Scheelhaase is growing up as we watch. His passing has improved, but there are still times he should pull the ball down and run. And that option pitch fumble...ugh. But he did throw to a few more guys this week, although A.J. Jenkins is his obvious favorite. Congrats, Nathan, on setting your career passing record! Way to answer Dan Persa's impressive return.
Speaking of Jenkins, he's playing really, really well. And he's fun to watch. Congrats, A.J., on the Illini receiving record.
The penalties and turnovers against the Wildcats were ugly. But Northwestern deserves plenty of credit. Dan Persa proved that his team missed him, with 4 TD passes and plenty of jaw-dropping escapes from a very tough Illini D. His wide receivers came through, too. These boys were the first to get points off an Illini turnover all season.
On the other side of the ball, the Wildcats stopped the run effectively, holding the Illini to less than 100 yards as a team. Their defense did a great job forcing turnovers, including Jason Ford's fumble.
And the final NW play of the game was brilliant. The cross-field pass to Kain Colter and keeping the ball alive for a long time...they probably deserved to come away from this game with the upset.
But the Illini stiffened up on D and got the ball moving. The comeback was impressive. And Ron Zook's team is still unbeaten.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini football, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:40 PM
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Fall is More than Football
Really. It is. Fall is also volleyball. That's another favorite fall sport.
The #3 Illini have gotten off to a perfect start in the non-conference season, and they are currently at the top of a loaded Big Ten. The Illini will open conference play Friday night at #9 Minnesota.
And the entire conference season will be tough. Currently, the Big Ten boasts 4 of the top 10 teams (#5 Penn State, #10 Nebraska), and 7 of the top 25. BTN will help us follow what should be an exciting season. In fact, they started us off tonight with a great matchup in Lincoln where the Huskers notched their first Big Ten win against the Lady Lions in 5. The last set was fantastic.
The Illini are looking good. But as the highest-ranked team in the conference, they will be targets. They deserve the rank, but they will have to play really, really well to keep it. However, I believe the tough conference season will prepare these girls well for the post-season.
If you have a chance, keep your eyes on these girls. Go Illini!
|
The #3 Illini have gotten off to a perfect start in the non-conference season, and they are currently at the top of a loaded Big Ten. The Illini will open conference play Friday night at #9 Minnesota.
And the entire conference season will be tough. Currently, the Big Ten boasts 4 of the top 10 teams (#5 Penn State, #10 Nebraska), and 7 of the top 25. BTN will help us follow what should be an exciting season. In fact, they started us off tonight with a great matchup in Lincoln where the Huskers notched their first Big Ten win against the Lady Lions in 5. The last set was fantastic.
The Illini are looking good. But as the highest-ranked team in the conference, they will be targets. They deserve the rank, but they will have to play really, really well to keep it. However, I believe the tough conference season will prepare these girls well for the post-season.
If you have a chance, keep your eyes on these girls. Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:45 PM
Friday, November 19, 2010
Illini 1-2 on BTN
Last Saturday (11/13), the Big Ten Network treated Illini fans to three games. And although the Orange and Blue only won one of those games, it made for a great opportunity to see where our teams were at...
Football
The loss to Minnesota hurt. Badly. The Illini played so well all season. But the defense seems to have disappeared somewhere on the road to Michigan. They weren't able to rebound against Minnesota, and instead of becoming bowl-eligible, the Illini gave the Gophers their first conference win of the season.
Volleyball
The Illini women went into the night in State College at the top of a very tough Big Ten conference. And Penn State was second. The Illini had snapped the Nittany Lions' incredible conference winning streak when those girls visited Champaign earlier this season. The Illini are fun to watch, but they were just a bit off Saturday, and lost in 3 sets. But as I've said before, these girls are worth watching. Check them out if you get the chance.
Basketball
Bruce Weber welcomed his former assistant and team to Assembly Hall. The Salukis are improving, but the Illini had a chance to shine. There's a lot of talent, energy and generosity on this team. They are going to be fun to watch this season. The Illini won easily, although they had to work a bit harder than they had earlier in the week.
So, with the football season deflating, we've got plenty to look forward to as volleyball heads toward the post-season and basketball heats up.
Go Illini!
(Yes, I realize I should have posted this several days ago.)
|
Football
The loss to Minnesota hurt. Badly. The Illini played so well all season. But the defense seems to have disappeared somewhere on the road to Michigan. They weren't able to rebound against Minnesota, and instead of becoming bowl-eligible, the Illini gave the Gophers their first conference win of the season.
Volleyball
The Illini women went into the night in State College at the top of a very tough Big Ten conference. And Penn State was second. The Illini had snapped the Nittany Lions' incredible conference winning streak when those girls visited Champaign earlier this season. The Illini are fun to watch, but they were just a bit off Saturday, and lost in 3 sets. But as I've said before, these girls are worth watching. Check them out if you get the chance.
Basketball
Bruce Weber welcomed his former assistant and team to Assembly Hall. The Salukis are improving, but the Illini had a chance to shine. There's a lot of talent, energy and generosity on this team. They are going to be fun to watch this season. The Illini won easily, although they had to work a bit harder than they had earlier in the week.
So, with the football season deflating, we've got plenty to look forward to as volleyball heads toward the post-season and basketball heats up.
Go Illini!
(Yes, I realize I should have posted this several days ago.)
Labels: Illini basketball, Illini football, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:01 PM
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Hail to the Orange and Blue
Although I've been focused on getting to know the 2010 Illini football team, Illini sports in general have given us plenty to cheer for.
Illini volleyball has been ranked in the top ten nationally, broken Penn State's incredible conference win streak, and they have managed to remain undefeated in conference play. These girls are playing very well, and, as always, they are fun to watch.
The Illini women's soccer team has fought their way into the national rankings, and are currently #17. Their defense has been very strong, allowing just 6 goals in 11 games. And standout freshman Vanessa DiBernardo set an Illini record against Purdue, scoring all 4 of the Illini goals in the game.
Both the men's and women's tennis and golf teams have had strong performances so far this season, and the cross country teams have posted great times, as well.
There's plenty to cheer for these days. Go Illini!
|
Illini volleyball has been ranked in the top ten nationally, broken Penn State's incredible conference win streak, and they have managed to remain undefeated in conference play. These girls are playing very well, and, as always, they are fun to watch.
The Illini women's soccer team has fought their way into the national rankings, and are currently #17. Their defense has been very strong, allowing just 6 goals in 11 games. And standout freshman Vanessa DiBernardo set an Illini record against Purdue, scoring all 4 of the Illini goals in the game.
Both the men's and women's tennis and golf teams have had strong performances so far this season, and the cross country teams have posted great times, as well.
There's plenty to cheer for these days. Go Illini!
Labels: Illini soccer, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:58 AM
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Congratulations to...
- Illini outside hitter Laura DeBruler, named first team All-America.
- Three of her teammates, sophomore right side hitter Michelle Bartsch, junior middle blocker Johannah Bangert and junior setter Hillary Haen were named Honorable Mention All-America.
- University of Illinois senior offensive lineman Jon Asamoah, named to the second-team The Sporting News All-America team.
Labels: Illini football, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:57 AM
Monday, December 14, 2009
Hawai'i Ends Illini Run
The Illini volleyball team fell to Hawai'i in their Sweet Sixteen match-up last Friday. Although Kevin Hambly's team would have liked to keep going, they had an excellent season. Congratulations to these girls for a strong showing in the tough Big Ten and to Laura DeBruler, who added regional honors to her long list of accolades for the season.
|
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:26 PM
Monday, November 16, 2009
Volleyball Update
The Illini lost in 3 sets to #1 Penn State last Friday, but they were competitive. Then they finished up their weekend road trip with a solid win at Ohio State. The match against the Buckeyes was on the Big Ten Network, and it was worth watching (especially since the Bears had already put up their disappointing performance for the week).
Coach Kevin Hambly's girls pass the ball well and hit strong. Senior KylieMcCullie and junior Laura DeBruler racked up several kills. And libero Rachel Feldman continues to improve as she fills the hole left by the season-ending injury to Ashley Edinger.
The Illini dominated the first two sets before falling in the third as the Buckeyes finally got thier passing game on track. The forth set was back-and-forth for a while, but the Illini eventually pulled away just enough to take the match.
The Illini should be able to finish the conference season strong, and hope to maintain second place behind Penn State. Then on to the post-season, which should be exciting. Once again, if you want an Illini team to get excited about, check these ladies out.
Go Illini!
|
Coach Kevin Hambly's girls pass the ball well and hit strong. Senior KylieMcCullie and junior Laura DeBruler racked up several kills. And libero Rachel Feldman continues to improve as she fills the hole left by the season-ending injury to Ashley Edinger.
The Illini dominated the first two sets before falling in the third as the Buckeyes finally got thier passing game on track. The forth set was back-and-forth for a while, but the Illini eventually pulled away just enough to take the match.
The Illini should be able to finish the conference season strong, and hope to maintain second place behind Penn State. Then on to the post-season, which should be exciting. Once again, if you want an Illini team to get excited about, check these ladies out.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:03 PM
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Winning Streaks
The Illini women's volleyball team is on an 11-game winning streak, after defeating #15 Michigan and Michigan State last weekend. Ranked #5, the Illini will put their longest winning streak in 17 years to the test at #1 Penn State this Friday night.
And Penn State has a very impressive streak of their own going -- 90 straight matches. The Nittany Lions are riding the longest volleyball winning streak in NCAA history, and the 3rd longest winning streak of any NCAA sport.
Last weekend the Illini broke in a new libero, as sophomore Rachel Feldman took over for Ashley Edinger, who ended her Illini career with a torn ACL. Feldman had an excellent debut match, with 19 digs and successful returns on 41 serves against Michigan.
Michigan took the first set, but the Illini rallied from 5 points down to take a one point lead before losing 27-25. But the Kevin Hambly's girls won the next 3 sets to win the match. They followed this performance with a strong win against Michigan State -- the last team to beat the Illini.
Junior Laura DeBruler earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for her performance over the weekend, and she is second in the conference in both kills and points per set.
DeBruler and her team will face a tough challenge Friday Night in State College. But they are firmly in second place in the Big Ten. They will follow up the Penn State match with a Sunday match at Ohio State. That game will be broadcast as a taped game on the Big Ten Network Sunday night. These girls are worth watching. Seriously.
Go Illini!
|
And Penn State has a very impressive streak of their own going -- 90 straight matches. The Nittany Lions are riding the longest volleyball winning streak in NCAA history, and the 3rd longest winning streak of any NCAA sport.
Last weekend the Illini broke in a new libero, as sophomore Rachel Feldman took over for Ashley Edinger, who ended her Illini career with a torn ACL. Feldman had an excellent debut match, with 19 digs and successful returns on 41 serves against Michigan.
Michigan took the first set, but the Illini rallied from 5 points down to take a one point lead before losing 27-25. But the Kevin Hambly's girls won the next 3 sets to win the match. They followed this performance with a strong win against Michigan State -- the last team to beat the Illini.
Junior Laura DeBruler earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors for her performance over the weekend, and she is second in the conference in both kills and points per set.
DeBruler and her team will face a tough challenge Friday Night in State College. But they are firmly in second place in the Big Ten. They will follow up the Penn State match with a Sunday match at Ohio State. That game will be broadcast as a taped game on the Big Ten Network Sunday night. These girls are worth watching. Seriously.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball, Laura DeBruler, Rachel Feldman
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:17 PM
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Weekend Preview
It's November. The clocks have fallen back. And there's lots going on in Illini sports this weekend.
The Illini football team heads up north to Minnesota, looking to build on their strong performance against Michigan.
In Champaign, the volleyball team, now ranked #5, will host #15 Michigan and Michigan State this weekend. And they will take the court without libero Ashley Edinger. She is out for the rest of the season with an ACL tear in her left knee. She tops the Illini record book in digs, so her injury is a big loss for the Illini.
On Sunday, Bruce Weber's basketball team will play their final exhibition game before the season gets underway. The boys warmed up with Missouri Southern last week, and will take on Quincy this weekend. Then college basketball will get underway, followed by what should be a very tough Big Ten season.
So take your pick -- there's plenty Illini games to follow this weekend. Go Illini!
|
The Illini football team heads up north to Minnesota, looking to build on their strong performance against Michigan.
In Champaign, the volleyball team, now ranked #5, will host #15 Michigan and Michigan State this weekend. And they will take the court without libero Ashley Edinger. She is out for the rest of the season with an ACL tear in her left knee. She tops the Illini record book in digs, so her injury is a big loss for the Illini.
On Sunday, Bruce Weber's basketball team will play their final exhibition game before the season gets underway. The boys warmed up with Missouri Southern last week, and will take on Quincy this weekend. Then college basketball will get underway, followed by what should be a very tough Big Ten season.
So take your pick -- there's plenty Illini games to follow this weekend. Go Illini!
Labels: Illini basketball, Illini football, Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 10:39 PM
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Dig This
The 2009 Fighting Illini women's volleyball team showed off their heart and toughness in a come-from-behind win over Purdue last Friday. The match, televised on ESPN2 on Sunday, showed the Illini trailing the Boilers 2-1 before coming back to win the last two sets to take the match.
This week the Illini are ranked #10, and continue play in the Big Ten, which boasts 3 top-ten teams (Penn State #1, Minnesota #6).
And if you can catch a game, you should. These girls are fun to watch.
Junior Laura DeBruler can hit, and she is one of the team leaders. Johannah Bangert, also a junior, leads the Big Ten in blocks. Senior defensive specialist Ashley Edinger seems to dig out just about anything, and the entire team, although not as tall as some opponents, works really well together.
Head Coach Kevin Hambly is in his first year, taking over a strong program from Don Hardin, who spent 13 years building Illini volleyball. Hambly and his girls looked poised for a strong showing in the Big Ten.
And they definitely give Illini fans a team that's easy to cheer for. Their Wednesday match against Northwestern will be on the Big Ten Network. Seriously, check it out.
Go Illini!
|
This week the Illini are ranked #10, and continue play in the Big Ten, which boasts 3 top-ten teams (Penn State #1, Minnesota #6).
And if you can catch a game, you should. These girls are fun to watch.
Junior Laura DeBruler can hit, and she is one of the team leaders. Johannah Bangert, also a junior, leads the Big Ten in blocks. Senior defensive specialist Ashley Edinger seems to dig out just about anything, and the entire team, although not as tall as some opponents, works really well together.
Head Coach Kevin Hambly is in his first year, taking over a strong program from Don Hardin, who spent 13 years building Illini volleyball. Hambly and his girls looked poised for a strong showing in the Big Ten.
And they definitely give Illini fans a team that's easy to cheer for. Their Wednesday match against Northwestern will be on the Big Ten Network. Seriously, check it out.
Go Illini!
Labels: Ashley Edinger, Illini volleyball, Johannah Bangert, Laura DeBruler
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:37 PM
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Showdown in Champaign
I'm not talking about Ohio State coming to Memorial Stadium. I'm talking about Penn State coming to Huff Hall. Friday, the #1 Penn State volleyball team brings their tie for the NCAA record win streak to Champaign for a chance to create a new win streak record.
And the #17 Illini are ready for them. Penn State has 52 consecutive match wins as they come to Champaign, where the Illini were very competitive in a 5-set loss last season. And the Illini will feature current Big Ten Player of the Week Laura DeBruler, and 2-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Ashley Edinger.
Plus, the Illini have a fascinating history. In 2004, the USC Trojans brought a 52-match win streak to Huff Hall, where they lost to the then-#16 Illini.
This year, the Illini have been solid at home, with only 2 of their 6 losses at Huff Hall. And they have the best Illini record ever against ranked teams this year. All that to say it should be a great game. If you are in the Champaign area, check it out Friday night. If not, get a glimpse of a few highlights from recent home games. These girls are fun to watch!
Go Illini!
|
And the #17 Illini are ready for them. Penn State has 52 consecutive match wins as they come to Champaign, where the Illini were very competitive in a 5-set loss last season. And the Illini will feature current Big Ten Player of the Week Laura DeBruler, and 2-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Ashley Edinger.
Plus, the Illini have a fascinating history. In 2004, the USC Trojans brought a 52-match win streak to Huff Hall, where they lost to the then-#16 Illini.
This year, the Illini have been solid at home, with only 2 of their 6 losses at Huff Hall. And they have the best Illini record ever against ranked teams this year. All that to say it should be a great game. If you are in the Champaign area, check it out Friday night. If not, get a glimpse of a few highlights from recent home games. These girls are fun to watch!
Go Illini!
Labels: Ashley Edinger, Illini volleyball, Laura DeBruler
# posted by Alma Mater : 6:57 PM
Saturday, October 25, 2008
On the Court
The Illini are wrapping up a great week on the court...the volleyball court. I finally have something positive to say about the Big Ten Network: I appreciated getting to watch collegiate volleyball -- particularly the Illini.
The Illini swept Purdue on Wednesday night in a great match, and it was fun to watch. The Illini also notched a win against Wisconsin at home, and finished off the week by taking the match at Michigan State in 3 sets.
I saw a lot to appreciate in the Illini play -- solid defense, great hitting and some beautiful kills. But there were plenty of competitive volleys on both sides. And now I need to remember to watch the broadcast schedule for BTN. I'd love to catch another Illini game.
Go Illini!
|
The Illini swept Purdue on Wednesday night in a great match, and it was fun to watch. The Illini also notched a win against Wisconsin at home, and finished off the week by taking the match at Michigan State in 3 sets.
I saw a lot to appreciate in the Illini play -- solid defense, great hitting and some beautiful kills. But there were plenty of competitive volleys on both sides. And now I need to remember to watch the broadcast schedule for BTN. I'd love to catch another Illini game.
Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 12:05 AM
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Orange Out
The #19 Illini women's volleyball team will host #18 Purdue Wednesday at Huff Hall. The "Orange Out" game will be broadcast on BTN, giving lots more of us a chance to see two of the Big Ten's five top-25 teams in action. The Boilermakers and Illini are tied for third in the Big Ten.
Should be a great game, with a beautiful orange background. Go Illini!
|
Should be a great game, with a beautiful orange background. Go Illini!
Labels: Illini volleyball
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:58 PM
