CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illini challenged Purdue in West Lafayette, pushing the Boilermakers to a five set thriller Sunday evening.
This was the sixth straight ranked opponent matchup for the Orange and Blue. The Illini put on performance with four players tallying double digit kills and a strong defensive performance by libero Talita Goncalves with 25 kills. However, the Boilermakers outlasted their momentum, winning the final set 15-12.
The Illini threw the first punch of the contest, delivering a tight victory of 25-22, senior setter Kenna Phelan remained a force for the Illini finishing the night with 52 assists.
Head coach Chris Tamas might have found the piece the Illini have been missing tonight. Underclassmen hitters Alyssa Aguayo and Madi Miles were producers tonight. The pair combined for 30 kills, Miles entered the night only having 10 collegiate kills under her belt. Aguayo contributed defensively as well, logging 14 digs, ringing her up for her second double-double of the season.
Let’s hope the Illini can keep this offensive momentum rolling, as the Illini look ahead to take on No. 22 Michigan State Thursday night at Huff Hall.
The Illini fall to 11-6 overall and 3-3 in Big Ten conference play.