CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois head coach Chris Tamas expected a slugfest.
Instead, Illinois swept Marquette on Friday morning at Huff Hall.
Now, the Illini are headed to their first Elite Eight since finishing as national runners-up in 2011.
The 11 a.m. start time wasn’t an issue for Illinois (31-3), who have won nine of 10 sets over three matches in the NCAA Tournament. The No. 3 Illini swept Eastern Michigan in the first round last Friday before defeating Louisville in four on Saturday.
No. 14 Marquette (28-7) took the match’s first point, but it was clear it was Illinois’ to lose from the first serve.