The Fighting Illini won their third straight Illini Classic this past weekend at Huff Hall, though it wasn’t a sweep. In the tournament’s final match, Illinois fell to MSU 2-3. Illinois, Missouri State University, and Xavier all ended with 2-1 records, thus forcing a tiebreaker: the best set-win percentage.
“They got that first run on us,” said Opposite Side Hitter Naya Crittenden. “And from there we had some moments where we were pushing, but I think we needed to just step on the gas and not let up.”
“We have to defend,” said Coach Kevin Hambly. “We did not defend and they did.”
Still, the ladies won the tournament, and for that they should be proud. The Illini will next go on the road to play in the Big-Ten/Pack-12 Challenge in Boulder, Co., facing off against Stanford on September 3rd.
Illinois vs. Arkansas – W (3-0)
Illinois vs. Xavier – W(3-1)
Illinois vs. MSU – L (2-3)
For more information, visit Fighting Illini Volleyball.
Photos of the Illinois vs. Arkansas match courtesy of Tyler Courtney.