#20 Minnesota Sweeps Illinois in Straight Sets
The #20 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini in straight sets (26-24, 25-12, 25-21) yesterday evening at Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis.
Taylor de Boer led the Illini with 13 kills, achieving double-digit kills for the 11th consecutive match, and swinging at a .346 clip. Kenna Phelan recorded her sixth double-double of the season, contributing 18 assists and 10 digs. Taryn Kirsch added a career-high two aces, totaling nine digs and three assists. This loss halts Illinois’ momentum as they aim to secure a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
The first set was tightly contested, with both teams trading points until Minnesota pulled ahead late to win 26-24. The Golden Gophers dominated the second set with a 25-12 victory, fueled by a 13-1 run. Illinois mounted a comeback attempt in the third, tying the score at 21 after trailing by as many as 12 points, but Minnesota closed out the set and the match with a 4-1 run. Ava Wysocki registered the first kill of her collegiate career during the match.
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas now holds a record of 161-102 during his tenure with the Illini. The team will return home to host Iowa on Sunday afternoon for their Women Win in Orange match, with first serve scheduled for 1 p.m. on B1G+.
