FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Illinois found itself in multiple five-set matches throughout the 2017 season and ultimately figured out how to close them out. Like the regular season finale against Ohio State that helped make an NCAA tournament bid a no brainer. Then consecutive five-set wins against Hawaii and Washington in the opening two rounds.
That experience came through Friday night against No. 25 Colorado State. Illinois let a 2-0 lead slip away on the Rams’ home court and in front of a volleyball record crowd of 7,745 at Moby Arena, but the Illini’s veteran presence made a difference as they battled back in the fifth set for a 25-16, 25-14, 18-25, 25-27, 15-11 victory.