(From Illinois Sports Information Office)

December 1, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill – The Fighting Illini volleyball team heard its named called on Selection Sunday and the Orange and Blue are ready to go dancing. Illinois earned a berth in the 2024 NCAA Volleyball tournament on Sunday, the programs first since 2021.

The Orange and Blue will face off against Northern Iowa in its tournament opener in Louisville, Ky., on Friday at 3 p.m. CT. The winner of the match will take on the victor of the Louisville and Chicago State match-up.

Illinois volleyball finished the regular season with an 18-12 overall record and a 10-10 mark in Big Ten play. The Orange and Blue are led by Raina Terry, the Illini's all-time leader in kills (2,120), aces (219) and points (2,502.0). The Ohio native is the only active Big Ten player with over 2,000 career kills and over 200 career aces.

The tournament marks the 28^th NCAA appearance overall for the Fighting Illini and the fifth under head coach Chris Tamas.