Aug. 19, 2006
Box Score
Champaign, Ill. -
Sophomore Kayani Turner had nine kills and hit .750 in a two-game sweep by the Illini in the annual Alumni Event. Illinois won 30-21, 30-27, then played two games of intrasquad scrimmage with the Orange and the Blue each taking a game.
The Illini cruised to victory in the first game by hitting .630 to the Alumni's .300. Junior Vicki Brown had five of her match-high 10 kills in the first game while hitting .667. Setter Lizzie Bazzetta totaled 18 assists in the first game in the which the Illini fired five aces.
Overall Brown paced the way with 10 kills followed by Turner (9) and junior Amy Palash (6), a transfer from Valparaiso. Senior defensive specialist Beth Vrdsky and freshman libero Ashley Edinger had five digs apiece in the two-game victory.
Last year's First Team All-Big Ten performer Rachel VanMeter led the Alumni with nine kills followed by Sue Webber Jacobson (8) and Shadia Haddad. Haddad and Webber hit .400 and .308 respectively.
The second game with Alumni was much closer with the Alumni leading midway through the game. The Illini hit .300 to finish the match at .450. For Alumni Heather Wilson (9 assists) and Erin Virtue (8) shared the setting duties.
VanMeter also played in the intrasquad match, pacing the team with nine kills and a .600 attack percentage. Freshman outside hitter Kylie McCulley also had nine kills and hit a respectable .286. Senior middle blocker Meghan Macdonald had seven kills while hitting .545 in that match. Senior Stephanie Obermeier and Bazzetta tallied 22 and 19 assists for their respective sides.
"We were really aggressive with our serves and it was good to see Vicki Brown hit the slide so well," said head coach Don Hardin. "Lizzie is continuing to sharpen her setting skills and will continue to improve as the season goes along. I was really proud with the way Amy Palash (11kills combined in the two matches) played on the outside. For a newcomer, she looked right at home on the outside."
The crowd of 640 saw some exciting volleyball from both sides. "I was happy to see as many fans come out for a scrimmage," added Hardin. "I think they are curious to see what have this season."
