CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ 25-22, 25-22, 25-20 sweep of Michigan on Saturday at Huff Hall marked the first time the Illini volleyball team won consecutive matches since the start of Big Ten play after victories against Maryland and Rutgers. Michelle Strizak led No. 21 Illinois with 15 kills — and just two errors — on 30 swings against the No. 25 Wolverines.
“I thought we had a really balanced attack,” Strizak said. Jocelynn Birks chipped in 14 kills, while Naya Crittenden and Katie Stadick had five apiece. “(Setter Alexis Viliunas) did a great job of distributing the ball.”
But Strizak and Illinois coach Kevin Hambly were quick to praise the Illini defense.