Illinois Volleyball posted two wins against Northwestern this past week. First, they beat the Wildcats in Evanston this past Wednesday by a score of 3-2. Then, in the rematch at Huff this past Saturday, the Illini again triumphed by a score of 3-1. 3,462 fans were in attendance to celebrate the victory. “We did a nice job defensively,” said Coach Hambly. “We also served well and kept them out of the system. We did a good job on that.”
The win was highlighted by Senior Jocelyn Birks as she broke the all-time kills record, hitting number 1,834 in the second set. “I don’t really know what to say about it,” she stated. “I’m glad that I can make an impact on the program and the team, but obviously I couldn’t do it without my teammates.” Birks led the night in kills with 22.
With the win on Saturday, Illinois improves to 17-8 overall and 8-6 in the Big Ten. The Illini travel to play Ohio State this Wednesday and return to Huff Hall on Nov. 14th to face Rutgers.
Illinois vs. Northwestern: November 7, 2015
(25-17, 25-18, 25-27, 25-18)
The Spike Squad
Outside Hitter Jocelyn Birks throws a t-shirt into the crowd.
Illinois starting line-up.
Libero Brandi Donnelly serves.
Middle Blocker Katie Stadick goes for the point.
Director of Volleyball Operations, Johanna Bangert.
Nothwestern’s Symone Abbott.
Defensive Specialist Julia Conard.
Middle Blocker Kathryn Polkoff.
Northwestern’s Kayla Morin.
Setter Jordyn Poulter.
Opposite Side Hitter Ali Stark.
Northwestern’s Taylor Tashima.
Opposite Side Hitter Naya Crittenden.
Middle Blocker Ali Bastianelli.
