University of Illinois
Minnesota
Illinois Falls to Minnesota in Four Games
October 4, 2003 | Volleyball
Oct. 4, 2003
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Illinois couldn't overcome the Gophers tonight after splitting the first two games. The in Illini didn't find many things going their way in game one, allowing Minnesota to hit .359 on 16 of 39 swings. In game two, the Orange and Blue found their rhythm and had strong command for most of the game resulting in a win for the Illini as they reversed the trend and only allowed Minnesota to a .095 hitting percentage.
However, the Gophers came out firing in games three and four, never allowing the Illini to find any consistency in the middle with Lisa Argabright who had only five kills in the match on 24 swings. Only two Illini managed to get in double-figures in kills, VanMeter led the Illini with 17 kills that tied a career-high and Senior Melissa Vandrey had 12 kills. Junior Jessica Belter led the Illini with 16 digs while Lauren Harks added 12.
"It's always frustrating to lose. Minnesota hit .290 and defensively we could have done better," Head Coach Don Hardin said. "In game four Minnesota could do no wrong, but I liked how we stayed competitive. I believe this team has it in them to sweep a weekend and will realize it."
Erin Martin led Minnesota with a game-high 22 kills, while Trisha Bratford and Cassie Busse combined for 40 kills. Minnesota out blocked the Illini 11.5-to-4, who led the Big Ten in blocking entering tonight's contest.
The Illini return to Champaign next weekend as they face the Penn State Nittany Lions, Friday, Oct. 10 and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Saturday, Oct. 11 both starting at 7 p.m.
