Sept. 8, 1999

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - After a slow start, the Illini got it together and with a solid performance took care of in-state rival Illinois State in four games 15-11, 15-12, 9-15, 15-7. Illinois State jumped out in front in all four games, especially in game one when the Redbirds broke out to a 10-1 advantage. But every time ISU jumped out in front, the Illini fought their way back and seized control in the end.

The victory came in the home opener at Huff Hall and broke Illinois' opening two-game losing skid.

"This was a great effort by our team," head coach Don Hardin said. "We had our work cut out for us, because we knew going in that ISU's a very good team, plus they're an in-state rival so you know it's going to be a tremendous challenge."

Sara Sorrell and Betsy Spicer led the attack for the Illini, each recording 16 kills. The starting lineup featured a shake-up, with sophomores Shadia Haddad and Lydia Gard earning their first career starts. Haddad responded with 13 kills and 10 digs, and Gard tallied seven kills in 15 attempts and five blocks.

1,804 people attended the match, including hundreds of students and Illini Pride members. "They did an incredible job the whole match," Hardin said of the students. "It's amazing to see what kind of an atmosphere you can have when you pack in three to four hundred students like we had here tonight."

Illinois hosts the State Farm Illini Classic this weekend at Huff Hall. Georgia faces Utah at 5:30pm Friday, with Illinois and George Mason to follow at 7:30pm. Saturday will feature the consolation match at 5:30pm and the championship at 7:30pm.