Sept. 15, 2000

Box Score

Champaign, IL - The Fighting Illini improved to 8-2 overall this season after defeating New Hampshire (4-5) Friday night at Huff Hall in the 2000 State Farm Illini Classic. Illinois won by a score of 15-6, 11-15, 15-8, 15-7.

The Illini dominated the first game, scoring six unanswered points before cruising to a 15-6 win. Betsy Spicer and Shadia Haddad provided the fireworks with a combined twelve kills in the game. After defeating the Illini in Game 2, New Hampshire could not stop Illinois' offensive drive in the final two games as the Illini came up big to defeat the Wildcats and advance to Saturday night's championship game.

Spicer led the offense, registering a career high 24 kills with only six errors in 32 attempts to average .563 on the night. Spicer's previous high was 23 kills, coming against both Louisville and DePaul this season. Heather Wilson and Shadia Haddad provided the defensive support, combining for 28 digs.

The team will wrap up the Classic Saturday night at Huff Hall. The consolation game between Wisconsin-Milwaukee and New Hampshire will be played at 6 p.m. The Illini will then face Ball State University in the championship match beginning at 8 p.m.