EVANSTON — Northwestern opened newly-renovated Welsh-Ryan Arena earlier this month. It might as well have gotten a name change Wednesday to Huff Hall North given the number of Illinois fans in attendance as the No. 4 Illini cruised to a 25-16, 25-11, 25-14 victory.
“I’m obviously not surprised,” sophomore opposite hitter Megan Cooney said. “I think our fan base is so supportive of us, and Northwestern being so close it’s really great we have fans that committed to following us where we go.”
The fan contingent contained a mix of Illini Networkers, alums and friends and family.