University of Illinois
Iowa
Illini Down Hawkeyes In Five Games
November 11, 2000 | Volleyball
Nov. 11, 2000
Champaign, IL - The Illini have become quite accustomed to having matches extend to five games this season. But playing five is usually a good sign for this year's team, and Saturday night was no exception as the Illini pulled out yet another win in five games, this time over the Iowa Hawkeyes 15-6, 7-15, 15-12, 12-15, 16-14, in front of 1,770 fans at Huff Hall. The win moved Illinois' record to 7-3 in five-game matches, and improved the team to 13-14 overall, and 4-12 in the Big Ten.
The Ilini were led by a match-high 23 kills from senior middle blocker Betsy Spicer. Spicer also was the high player in hitting efficiency, hitting .425 with six errors in 40 swings for the match. The Illini had a plethora of players in double figures in kills in addition to Spicer. Anne Koester had 16 kills, Shadia Haddad tallied 14 kills, and Kate Hill chipped in with 12 kills. Meanwhile, junior Lydia Gard celebrated her 21st birthday in grand fashion with 16 kills and five blocks.
Three Illini registered double figures in digs, with all three setting new career highs in that department. Haddad led the way with 19 digs, setter Betsy Eiserman had 17, and Hill recorded 13 digs.
The Illini prevailed over the Hawkeyes, despite being outhit .262-.201 and outblocked 17-10. Illinois enjoyed a 10-6 advantage in service aces and outdug Iowa 70-61.
Illinois takes to the road next week, with matches at Northwestern on Thursday, Nov. 16 and at Big Ten co-leading Wisconsin on Friday, Nov. 17. Both matches begin at 7 p.m.
