Sept. 13, 2003
Final Stats
Storrs, Conn. -
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Illinois extended its winning streak to five today by defeating Akron in four games by the score of 30-23, 30-17, 31-33, 30-25 during action at the Connecticut Invitational in Storrs, Conn. With the victory, the Illini to improve to 6-1 on the season while Akron falls to 2-6.
Junior setter Erin Virtue led the Illini effort with a sensational all-around performance. Virtue erupted for a career-high 25 digs on defense, bettering her previous best of 15 digs set vs. Nebraska on Aug. 30. Her 25 digs ranks as the most by an Illini player this season. Virtue also registered a career high in service aces with four aces and set 47 assists for the match.
Virtue's favorite option once again was senior middle blocker Lisa Argabright. Argabright answered with a season-high 21 kills on a match-high hitting percentage of .514, as she had just three errors in 35 swings. Argabright's 21 kills are the most by a UI player this season and is her highest kill total since collecting 28 kills vs. Missouri in the first round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament.
Senior Melissa Vandrey followed Argabright with 14 kills, while fellow senior Shelly O'Bryan finished with 10 kills and a match-high seven blocks. Junior Jessica Belter added eight kills and tied her career high with 15 digs.
Illinois will face host UConn in the championship match of the Connecticut Invitational tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT.
