After the first two weeks of conference volleyball, only two teams remain unbeaten at 4-0, while three of our 3-1 squads posted critical wins over the weekend. (See the full standings here). There are trajectory-setting contests coming up this week.
Illini Channeling Their 2018 Final Four Season
For the first time since its 2018 NCAA Semifinal campaign, Illinois (11-4, 3-1 B1G) won three consecutive matches against ranked opponents following its victory over No. 22 Washington on Friday night. The Illini got it done on both sides; the defense held a powerful Husky squad to a .163 clip behind six-block performances from both Taylor de Boer and Kristina Starostenko, while three different players had 10-kill outings.
The streak ended against a hot Oregon team on Sunday...
Ducks Come Back to Beat Boilers
In its first reverse sweep since 2022, No. 17 Oregon (12-2, 3-1 B1G) knocked off No. 10 Purdue on Friday. After taking a 2-0 lead, the Boilers had an edge in both the third and fourth sets. But veteran Sjakkie Donkers led the Ducks’ comeback. From the outside, Donkers posted a season-high 23 kills with 13 digs for her third straight double-double, including three consecutive attacks to take the lead in a pivotal third set. Fifth-year setter Marina Crownover orchestrated the offense with 47 assists and 10 digs for her team-leading fifth double-double of the fall.
The Ducks kept the momentum going on Sunday, halting the rolling Illini squad in a 3-1 win. After Oregon won a wild 31-29 first set, Illinois cruised to a 25-15 win in the second. But the Ducks, led by yet another double-double from Donkers (14 kills and 12 digs), came through down the stretch of the third and fourth sets.
Huskies Rebound Against Purdue
After dropping its first match of the season on Friday, No. 22 Washington (12-1, 3-1 B1G) bounced back with one of its most notable performances in years, sweeping No. 10 Purdue 25-20, 25-16, 25-16. Second-year Simona Mateska led the offense to a .256 clip with a double-double (11 kills, 13 digs), while the defense held the Boilermakers to a .164 hitting percentage. It was the Huskies’ first top-10 sweep since the 2020 season. "I was just excited that we came out and played Washington Volleyball," said head coach Leslie Gabriel. Read more from Seattle.
Wisconsin Defeats Fourth Consecutive Ranked Opponent
Sophomore Kristen Simon recorded her 500th career dig as No. 6 Wisconsin (10-4, 4-0 B1G) defeated No. 20 Minnesota in Minneapolis. After the teams traded the first two sets, the Badgers grabbed the momentum with a strong 25-15 showing in the third before grinding out a 25-23 fourth-set victory. Star freshmen Audrey Flanagan (14 kills) and Decelise Champion (11 kills) led the attack, helping earn UW’s sixth straight win and a 4-0 start to the conference race. More here.
On the Docket
Hoosiers Host Huskers
Now 10-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play, No. 15 Indiana welcomes a 15-0 and top-ranked Nebraska squad that leads the Big Ten in several statistical categories, including points per set, hitting percentage, and opponent hitting percentage. The Hoosiers will turn to Jaidyn Jager (3.81 kills/set, sixth B1G) and Teodora Krickovic (10.77 assists/set, fifth B1G) to lead the offense to an upset. Harper Murray and the Huskers, meanwhile, eye their sixth consecutive sweep.
Momentum Match: Illini vs. Badgers
On Thursday, Illinois (11-4, 3-1 B1G) welcomes No. 6 Wisconsin (10-4, 4-0 B1G) to Champaign in hopes of reclaiming its hot streak with a fourth ranked upset in five matches. Both sides will look to limit the other’s offensive firepower. The Illini are armed with Starostenko (.449 hitting %, third B1G) and Paityn Chapman (4.32 points/set, fourth B1G), while Charlie Fuerbringer (11 assists/set, leads B1G) sets up the Badgers’ explosive duo of Flanagan and Champion (combined 6.32 kills/set).
Check out all of this week’s matchups on the Big Ten Volleyball schedule.
Photo from goducks.com