CHAMPAIGN — This was the Illini Kevin Hambly had gotten used to seeing in practice.
Just more than 12 hours after wrapping up a three-set sweep against Louisville with the feeling things could have gone significantly better, Illinois put together a remarkably efficient attack to top Miami (Ohio) 25-11, 25-18, 25-22.
Friday night was frantic. Saturday morning the Illini were much more settled.
Jocelynn Birks put together a complete 180 degree performance shift against Miami, leading Illinois with 16 kills — and just two errors — on 28 swings. Katie Stadick was just as efficient in the middle with nine kills.