Sept. 1, 2000

Box Score

Tallahasse, FL - The Illinois volleyball team opened the 2000 season this morning with a convincing 15-4, 15-6, 15-4 win over Charleston Southern in opening round action at the Florida State Tournament. The Illini controlled the action from the opening point, when senior middle blocker Betsy Spicer began the match with a service ace. She tallied six aces for the match, setting a new career high, and added five kills. Juniors Shadia Haddad and Lydia Gard led the Illini attack, each registering eight kills, while sophomore Sue Webber added seven kills.

The Illini dominated the Lady Buccaneers at the net, hitting .324 as a team for the match, compared to Chareston Southern, who finished in the negative column with a percentage of -.100. Senior setter Heather Wilson started the match and directed the offense the entire way, recording a career high 26 assists.

"I was very pleased with our play today, this was a good way to begin the season," said Head Coach Don Hardin. "We were aggressive from the beginning and took control, and really responded well after the break to take back the momentum and close it out in strong fashion."

Hardin was referring to the third and final game, where after spotting Charleston Southern a 4-0 lead, the Illini charged back and scored 15 unanswered points to claim the victory.

Illinois has one more match today at the FSU tournament. The Illini take on Southern Mississippi at 4 p.m. central time. The round-robin tournament concludes tomorrow with the Orange and Blue facing Florida Atlantic at 1 p.m. and host Florida State in the finale at 6 p.m.