CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After two standout performances during the final weekend of the regular season - including helping to lead Illinois volleyball to a come-from-behind five-set victory over No. 8 Purdue on Saturday, junior Taylor Kuper was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday (April 5).

This marks the third-weekly conference honor the Illini have received this season and the first career weekly accolade for Kuper.

The Lenexa, Kansas native totaled 47 digs for a 5.88 digs per set average, while adding 12 assists, one ace and posting a .952 reception percentage after only committing two errors in 42 reception attempts. Kuper opened her weekend with a standout night of 21 digs, six assists and an ace on Friday night, before another strong performance with a match-high 26 digs and six assists in the Illini's first win over a ranked team this season on Saturday.

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