The Illinois volleyball team has their sights set on making their sixth NCAA tournament in nine years under Chris Tamas.
After finishing the 2024 season 18-13 (10-10 Big Ten) and sneaking into the NCAA tournament, the Illini are aiming for back-to-back appearances for the first time since 2019.
This year's squad is still finding its rhythm, especially with new transfer setter Kenna Phelan at the helm and the loss of star outside hitter Raina Terry. Emerging talents like Taylor de Boer and Alyssa Aguayo will need to step up, while returners Averie Hernandez and Kayla Burbage must provide leadership through a grueling Big Ten slate.
To punch their ticket to the postseason, Illinois will need to win the games they are supposed to and capitalize on key opportunities.
Here are five pivotal Big Ten matchups that will define NCAA tournament resume.
Oregon has started the season strong, but their wins have largely come against lesser competition. Their best non-conference victory was a five-set thriller over Colorado State.
Under a new head coach and with fresh faces like Michigan transfer Valentina Vaulet and freshman opposite Alanah Clemente leading the way, the Ducks may struggle to adjust to Big Ten play. A win at home against a program with Oregon's reputation would be a great resume booster for Illinois to kick off the conference season
Purdue has defied expectations despite losing most of last year's production to graduation and the transfer portal. The Boilermakers boast wins over No. 15 Kansas and No. 10 SMU, led by emerging stars Kenna Wollard and Grace Heaney.
By the time Purdue visits Huff Hall, Illinois will have already faced them once at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. This gives the Illini valuable insight into their opponent. A victory over a ranked team at home would be a marquee win and a massive step towards the NCAA tournament.
The night after battling Purdue, Illinois hosts Michigan in what could be a make-or-break weekend at Huff Hall. The Wolverines are a sleeper team that could really surprise some in the Big Ten this year. Their only non-conference loss came in a five-set match against Virginia, which they followed with a sweep of the Cavaliers the next night.
Senior hitter Allie Jacobs, a standout since her medical redshirt in 2023, and breakout junior opposite Lydia Johnson form a formidable duo. Beating Michigan would certainly bolster the Illini's postseason case if the Wolverines have the type of season I expect them to have.
On the night Huff Hall celebrates its 100th anniversary, Illinois has a golden opportunity to notch a signature win against the reigning national champion Nittany Lions. Penn State's 6-4 start is a little deceiving due to a really tough non-conference schedule, taking on five ranked opponents, but they are a far cry from last year's national title squad.
The loss of All-American setter and 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Izzy Starck stings, but Florida transfer Kennedy Martin, Nebraska transfers Maggie Mendelson and Caroline Jurevicius, and Ohio State transfer Emmi Sellman keep the Nittany Lions dangerous. Illinois could capitalize on Penn State's inconsistent play for a resume-defining upset.
Indiana is another under-the-radar Big Ten team that could make some noise this season. Their lone non-conference loss came against a strong Western Kentucky squad, and they secured an impressive victory over the now-ranked Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables.
Led by Serbian senior Candela Alonso-Corcelles and supported by Avry Tatum, Jaidyn Jager, and Ella Boersma, the Hoosiers are a balanced, competitive group. By Late November, Indiana will be a highly respected opponent, making this road win a sneaky but significant addition to Illinois' tournament resume.