Oct. 14, 2009

Box Score

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illini Express is starting to build up steam. Earlier in the week, Illinois moved back into the top 10 at the 10 spot. On Wednesday, Illinois was very much workmanlike in a straight sets 25-20, 25-16, 25-19 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. The win, Illinois' fourth straight, improves the Illini to 13-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big Ten, sole possession of third place in the conference for the time being. Northwestern falls to 11-8 overall, 2-5 in the conference.

Despite the disparity in records, Illinois didn't take the Wildcats for granted as Northwestern held a four-match winning streak at Huff Hall. Illinois used a balanced attack to methodically put away the Wildcats in each set. Sophomore right side hitter Michelle Bartsch led the attack with 13 kills followed closely by outside hitters Laura DeBruler and Kylie McCulley, who totaled 12 kills apiece.

"We knew they had had success here and we had to come out tonight ready for a battle," said Illinois setter Hillary Haen. "I think we came out very focused."

Illinois hit .302 in the first set and held a .256-.092 advantage in hitting percentage overall. The Illini had four players in double figures in digs, including McCulley (15 digs), Bartsch (13 digs) and DeBruler (12 digs), who each posted double-doubles. All-time Illinois digs leader Ashley Edinger led the way with 19 digs. Haen had 41 digs and at 13.7 assists per set, was a couple above her season average that ranks her 16th in the country. Johannah Bangert, who ranks seventh nationally in blocks per set, tallied five blocks, including two solo.

"It was another great team performance," said Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly. "Hillary did a great job of distributing the ball equally and running the offense, maybe the best she has done since she's been here."

In each set, Illinois got into a rhythm that turned into big runs. Northwestern took a 15-14 lead into the media timeout of the first set, only to see the Illini go on a 6-1 run to take a 20-16 advantage. The Illini broke open a 5-5 score in the second set with a 6-0 run then extended it to 18-8. Set three saw the Wildcats jump in front 10-8 before Illinois went on an 11-2 run to take firm control of the match.

The Illini wore special uniforms in honor of "Dig Pink" and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, something that is special to the team.

"I think it's really important to us as women," Haen said. "One out of eight women will have breast cancer so events like this are important to raise awareness. It was great to see so many in the stands wearing pink as well."

Illinois takes that four-match win streak into Friday's match against sixth-ranked Minnesota and another significant date on the schedule. The Illini meet the Gophers at 6:30 in Assembly Hall as the program strives to "Spike the Record," and set a new volleyball attendance mark.