Oct. 31, 2003
Final Stats
Columbus, Ohio -
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The Fighting Illini volleyball team had its six-match winning streak come to an end tonight in Columbus, Ohio as the Illini fell in four games to Ohio State by the score of 20-30, 30-17, 25-30, 24-30. With the defeat, Illinois moves to 17-4 on the season and falls out of first place in the Big Ten standings with a conference record of 8-3. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, improve to 9-10 on the year and 3-8 in the league.
The story of the night was Illinois' inability to slow down Ohio State's offense, primarily its All-American outside hitter, junior Stacey Gordon. Illinois entered the match ranked first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage, allowing its opponents an attack percentage of just .163 on the season. But tonight Ohio State hit an impressive .338 as a team, becoming Illinois' first opponent to hit above .300 this year. The Buckeyes also amassed 18 more kills than the Orange and Blue (69-to-51 OSU advantage in kills), led by Gordon's 28 kills on .408 hitting.
Senior middle blocker Lisa Argabright was the lone Illini player to reach double figures in kills, recording 17 kills on .387 hitting. Fellow seniors Shelly O'Bryan and Melissa Vandrey added nine kills apiece while junior Jessica Belter added eight kills on .389 hitting.
Illinois outblocked Ohio State 13-to-4 for the match, but the Buckeyes held a 45-to-34 advantage in digs.
"We didn't come out prepared to play tonight. We looked sluggish and lacked the intensity that we have had in previous matches, which is uncharacteristic of our team" Head Coach Don Hardin said. "While I'm disappointed with our effort, at the same time I have to give credit to Ohio State. They wanted it more than we did tonight and simply outplayed us."
Illinois is back in action Saturday night, playing at No. 17 Penn State (19-4, 8-3) at 7 p.m. Central Time.
