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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After a successful first season that included a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance under head coach Chris Tamas, the Illinois volleyball team looks to continue its growth with four matches during the 2018 spring season.

"We are excited to bring a new format to our spring schedule," said Tamas. "Traditionally, teams play multiple matches over one weekend against several teams. After a successful season, we want to continue challenging our players in match environments in front of big crowds. The programs we will face are top teams of their respective conferences. We are looking forward to four great matches this spring."

The Illini open their spring slate on March 30, traveling to Avon, Ind., to face Southeastern Conference (SEC) member Kentucky at 6 p.m. CT. The Wildcats finished the 2017 season ranked sixth in the final American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Coaches Top 25 poll after advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight.

UI then hosts a pair of home matches in Huff Hall against two in-state opponents, first taking on Bradley on April 6 at 7 p.m., before welcoming in Illinois State on April 13 at 6 p.m.

The Illini rounds out their spring campaign on April 20, facing Big 12 foe Iowa State in Davenport, Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. The Cyclones wrapped up this past season with a No. 25 ranking in the final AVCA Top-25 poll after advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois wrapped up the 2017 season – the first under Tamas - with a 23-11 overall record, tied for fifth in the Big Ten Conference with a 12-8 mark and advanced to their eighth NCAA Regional in the last 10 years.

For more Fighting Illini volleyball news, stay tuned to FightingIllini.com and follow @IlliniVBall on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook.