Illini Face #1 Nebraska and #25 Penn State in Split Weekend Matches
The Illinois Fighting Illini volleyball team is gearing up for a challenging split weekend. They will face off against #1 Nebraska and #25 Penn State in two crucial matchups.
Weekend Match Schedule
- Opponent: #1 Nebraska
- Date: Thursday, November 6
- Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Location: Devaney Center, Lincoln, NE
- Broadcast: FS1
- Opponent: #25 Penn State
- Date: Sunday, November 9
- Time: 3:30 p.m. CT
- Location: Huff Hall, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network
Team Performance and Rankings
Nebraska enters the weekend as the only undefeated team in NCAA Division I volleyball, boasting a perfect 22-0 record and a 12-0 conference mark. They have not dropped a single set during conference play.
Penn State, the reigning national champions, brings a 13-9 overall record and a 7-5 conference standing as they prepare for their match against Illinois.
Key Player Insights
Nebraska’s Strengths
- Andi Jackson: Leads the Big Ten with a .422 hitting percentage.
- Rebekah Allick: Tops the conference in blocks per set.
- Harper Murray: Averages 3.66 kills per set.
Penn State’s Notable Players
- Kennedy Martin: Currently leads the Big Ten with an average of 5.24 kills per set.
- Gillian Grimes: Key player from last year’s championship team.
Series History
The all-time series against Nebraska shows a significant lead for the Cornhuskers, who hold a 36-8-1 advantage over Illinois. The last meeting resulted in a Nebraska victory on October 25, 2024.
Against Penn State, Illinois has a 13-52 record. The last victory for the Illini against the Nittany Lions was a noteworthy upset on October 26, 2022.
Upcoming Highlights
The second match of the weekend at Huff Hall will also celebrate the centennial anniversary of the facility. The first 300 students at the Penn State match will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
Conclusion
These matches present an excellent opportunity for the Illini to showcase their skills against top-ranked opponents. As they prepare for a demanding weekend, fans can expect competitive gameplay and efforts to secure crucial wins against Nebraska and Penn State.
