MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Illini were dominant over Valparaiso on Saturday afternoon at the Klotsch Center, winning in three sets (25-20, 25-16, 25-20) to improve to 3-0 on the season.
Megan Cooney led the way for the Illini, racking up a game-high 13 kills en route to a 3-0 win over the Beacons. Taylor Kuper led all players with 14 digs and a service ace, while Diana Brown notched 35 assists.
The Illini came out strong once again in their third match of the Panther Invite, controlling the opening period and taking the first set, 25-20.
The Orange and Blue went back-and-forth with the Beacons to open up the second set, as the Illini held a one-point lead at the midway point. The Illinois defense was stifling to close out the set as the Illini went on a 10-2 run to take the second.
Illinois began to pull away from Valparaiso early in the third set, but the Beacons battled back to within three late in the set before the Illini battled their way to a five-point win and sweep of the Beacons.
UP NEXT
Illinois returns home next weekend for the Big Ten/Pac 12 challenge as they host Washington on Friday, September 3 at Huff Hall.
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