Sept. 21, 2001

Final Stats

Columbus, Ohio - After a two-week layoff, the Illinois volleyball returned to the court tonight to open the 2001 Big Ten season. The Illini fell to the host Ohio State Buckeyes in three games by the score of 16-30, 22-30, 22-30. With the loss, Illinois moves to 6-2 overall on the season, and 0-1 in Big Ten play.

With game one tied 6-6, Ohio State went on a 9-1 run to open up a 15-7 margin from which the Illini could not recover. Illinois' serve-receive was shaky in the first game, allowing Ohio State six service aces. The Illini also hit negative as a team, posting an attack percentage of -.107.

Illinois regrouped in the second game and gained a 12-7 lead midway through, due to superb team blocking and improve passing. But with the Illini down just one point at 20-21, the 15th ranked Buckeyes rallied to win the second game, going on a 9-2 tear to close out the game.

Illinois' offense heated up in game three, hitting .265 as a team. But it was not enough to slow down the Buckeyes, who won the third game 30-22 to close out the match in straight games.

Ohio State outhit Illinois .381-to-.089 for the match. The Buckeyes had three players in double figures in kills, led by middle blocker Suzie Stiling with 16 kills and a match-high hitting percentage of .520. Right side hitter Sue Webber led the Illini with eight kills and an attack percentage of .200.

Illinois returns to action tomorrow night, squaring off against No. 6 Penn State in State College, Pa. at 6 p.m. central time.