IlliniGuys Staff

December 3, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Illinois defeated West Virginia 3-1 Friday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA volleyball tournament.

The Illini (21-11) dropped the first set 25-23, but rallied to win the next three sets to eliminate the Mountaineers (19-10).  Raina Terry recorded 18 kills, Megan Cooney had 15, and Jessica Nunge 13 for the Illini, who were playing in the NCAA tourney after missing last season's reduced-field affair due to the pandemic.

The Illini will now face defending NCAA champion Kentucky on their home court.  The Wildcats (25-4) is the 7th overall seed of the tournament and advanced after beating Southeast Missouri State 3-0 on Friday.  That match will be Saturday at 4pm CT.

(Cover photo courtesy WCIA.com)