Illini Volleyball Returns to NCAA Tourney, Could Face Defending Champ Kentucky in Round 2

IlliniGuys Staff

November 28, 2021

The Fighting Illini volleyball is returning to the NCAA tournament after a one-year hiatus, facing West Virginia in its first round match in Lexington, Kentucky.

The announcement was made Sunday night on the special NCAA Selection Show on ESPNU.

The Illini went 20-11 this season overall, 12-8 in the rugged Big Ten conference which saw five teams land among the tournament's top 16 seeds and Michigan and Penn State also receiving bids.

West Virginia (19-9) is making its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.  The winner of this matchup will likely have to face defending national champion Kentucky in round two.

Illinois missed the 2020 tournament held this past spring due to the pandemic.  The Illini finished 7-11 in a campaign that featured only Big Ten opponents.

The Illini have been a staple in the prestigious postseason tournament, making the field in eleven of the past 14 years.

Podcasts

539 Remembering Mike White with Chris White & David Williams

Listen

538 - Illini Upset 83-80 by Nebraska

Listen

12.12.25 - Illini BB Over Vols, FB Commit Michael Clayton, Jr & Michigan Fiasco

Listen

537 - Illini Defeat Ohio State 88-80 on the Road

Listen

536 - Illini Crush Tennessee 75-62 with Huge 2nd Half

Listen

12.5.25 - #21 Illini FB Recruiting Class & Illini Men's BB vs Tenn

Listen

535 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Insider View

Listen

534 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Scouting View

Listen

533 Illini FB 2025 Signing Day Special - Reporter View

Listen

532 - Illini Win 8th Game this Season over Northwestern

Listen

Illini Frustration in the Big Apple #531

Listen

Illini FB vs Northwestern for Season Finale, Illini BB vs UConn & Game Predictions - S5Ep16 - 11.28.25 - Seg 1

Listen

Illini Cruise to Victory Over UTRGV 87-73 #530

Listen

Illini Football Preview - Northwestern #529

Listen

Illini Upset by Relentless Badgers 27-10 - #528

Listen