After racing out of the gate in 2016 to a 3-4 start, Illinois volleyball is in a much better situation this year.
Entering Big Ten play, the Illini are still riding a hot start to this season after winning their first six matches and only dropping one set during that run. The team swept through their first two tournaments behind strong performances by juniors Ali Bastianelli and Jordyn Poulter.
Both girls have played an enormous role in leading this rather young Illini team to victories in nine of 11 matches.
Bastianelli leads the Big Ten in blocks and is second in the nation in blocks per set.