Nov. 30, 2002

Final Stats

Bloomington, Ind. - Illinois closed out the 2002 volleyball season on a high note tonight, posting a four-games victory at Indiana by the score of 30-27, 30-21, 18-30, 30-26. With the victory, Illinois finishes the year with an overall record of 13-16 and in ninth place in the Big Ten with a league record of 7-13. Indiana meanwhile falls to 20-12 on the season and 10-10 in conference play.

The Illini played tremendous defense throughout the match, registering a season-high 20 team blocks. The blocking frustrated Indiana's hitters, as the Hoosiers managed an attack percentage of just .171 for the match. Illinois hit .235 as four players finished in double figures in kills.

Sophomore Jessica Belter led all players in the match with 16 kills, tying her career high. Belter also provided superb blocking, shutting down Indiana's slide patterns en route to a career-high eight blocks.

Junior Shelly O'Bryan was Illinois' top blocking force on the evening. The middle blocker tallied a career-high 12 blocks in the match, the most by an Illini player since 1996. O'Bryan's 12 blocks ranks fourth in school history for blocks in a match.

Junior Melissa Vandrey had 15 kills, while Sue Webber and freshman Rachel VanMeter added 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Webber meanwhile notched her 10th double-double of the season with a team-high 13 digs. Sophomore Lauren Harks tied Webber for team high honors in digs by also registering 13, her 18th match of the season reaching double figures in digs.

Illinois' two seniors, outside hitter Sue Webber and setter Betsy Eiserman wrapped up their collegiate careers with an exclamation point, as Eiserman set Webber on the final play of the night and Webber connected with a kill to end the match.

"It was very fitting that the match ended the way it did, with our two seniors, Betsy and Sue, teaming up for the final point," Head Coach Don Hardin said. "I'm happy that they are able to go out winners in their last match.

"This victory is a tribute to our team for not giving up during a difficult season. I'm proud of the way they have kept fighting. With the majority of our roster returning next season, I think we have a bright future."