CHAMPAIGN — Illinois opened Friday night’s match against Michigan State with an intensity level — an energy — that had been lacking previously.
Aggressive serving kept the Spartans on their heels. Big swings from Naya Crittenden gave the Illini an early spark offensively and put pressure on Michigan State.
Then Illinois hit a not-so-uncommon-this-season lull. Errors marred the second set. Michigan State found itself right back in the match.
But not for long. Instead of letting Michigan State’s runs compound, snowballing into a worse situation, the Illini rallied, got their offense back on track and defeated the Spartans 25-17, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19.