CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — The University of Iowa volleyball team fell to Illinois, 3-0, Wednesday evening at Huff Hall.
Senior Courtney Buzzerio led the team with nine kills. Freshman Jenna Splitt notched a team-best 17 assists, and junior Mari Hinkle recorded a match-best 14 digs earning her first start of the season at libero.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (Illinois, 25-12): The Hawkeyes opened the scoring with two straight points before Illinois got on the board. Iowa took an 8-6 lead before Illinois went on a 4-0 run to take the lead in which it would not relinquish. Another Illinois run extended its advantage to 15-9. The Illini’s lead swelled to 19-12 before scoring six straight points to take the first set.
SET 2 (Illinois, 25-20): Scoring went back-and-forth to open the second set until the score was tied 9-9. Illinois would build an 15-11 lead. Iowa had a 3-0 run to cut the deficit to two before the Illini steadily pulled away. Senior Hannah Clayton paced the Hawkeyes with four kills in the second set.
SET 3 (Illinois, 25-20): The Hawkeyes raced out to a 11-4 lead before Illinois rattled of seven straight points to tie the set. A pair of Illinois scoring runs made the score 21-15. Iowa would score three straight points at match point to force an Illinois timeout before the Illini took the set and match. Buzzerio registered five kills to lead Iowa in the third set.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host Northwestern on Saturday at Xtream Arena at 7 p.m. (CT).