Sept. 12, 2000

Box Score

Post-match audio from coach Hardin

Champaign, IL - After taking a two games to none lead, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini almost let the Tuesday night match at Huff Hall slip away to the Depaul Blue Demons. But the Illini pulled out the rally game to edge the Blue Demons three games to two by the score of 15-11, 15-8, 13-15, 13-15, 15-13.

The Illini got off to a fast start, beating the Blue Demons in games one and two. In game three the Illini led 13-9, but watched Depaul steal the momentum and rally for six straight points. Depaul rode the momentum into game four, coming back from another deficit and winning the game 15-13. Illinois got revenge in the rally game, coming back from 7-6 and 8-7 deficits to eventually win a difficult fifth game 15-13.

"There are not going to be any easy matches this year," Head Coach Don Hardin said. "But this team hasn't backed down from any challenges, and they took another step forward by pulling out the victory with a gutsy effort. I am really proud of the way we stepped it up at the end."

Senior middle blocker Betsy Spicer and sophomore outside hitter Sue Webber led the Illini with 23 kills each, tying Spicer's career high and setting a new career high for Webber. Spicer and junior outside hitter Shadia Haddad led the team in digs with 15 each.

Illinois next hosts the State Farm Illini Classic this Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16. The four-team tournament begins with Ball State taking on Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 6 p.m. Friday followed by Illinois-New Hampshire at 8 p.m.