By Ryan Colasanti
Maryland Volleyball’s winning streak ended at three last night, as the Terps lost their Big Ten opener versus Illinois, 3-1.
The Terps came into their matchup versus the Fighting Illini riding an undefeated weekend at the Cavalier Classic. Three Terps made the all-tournament team for their performances during the weekend, with Sam Csire bringing home the tournament’s MVP award.
Maryland struggled at the start of set one. Illinois, led by five kills from Raina Terry, quickly jumped to a 6-3 lead. The Fighting Illini only added to their lead, controlling the set from the start. Illinois won the set, 25-17.
The Terps came out hot to start the second set earning the first three points. Maryland held the lead throughout the set despite the Illini keeping it close. The Terps won, 25-18, ending on a 6-1 scoring run.
The third set started close, with the teams tied at three early.. Illinois took control soon after a 5-0 scoring run that put them up by six. Maryland couldn’t overcome the deficit and lost the set, 25-25.
The fourth set was a thriller, as both teams kept the score close in the early stage. In the middle of the set, both teams traded 5-0 scoring runs, leading to a one-point Illinois lead. Maryland battled back, eventually taking a 23-20 lead.
The match appeared to be heading to an all-deciding fifth set, but Illinois had different plans as the Fighting Illini lived up to their name, fighting all the back, scoring five straight to win the set.
Despite the fourth set loss, coach Adam Hughes appreciated the fight his team showed.
“I told the team I was proud of the fight you know, a big loss in the first and come back in the second and play really well, then the third kinda flips the other way. And fourth, they could have folded quickly and kept battling, battling, and battling and had a window there to send it to five,” said Hughes.
Illinois’ offense was led by two outstanding performances from junior Raina Terry and redshirt freshman Brooke Mosher.
The two accounted for 34 of Illinois’ 55 kills in the match. Illinois had a unique out-of-system approach that Maryland had to try and adjust to on the fly.
“They do something out of system we hadn’t seen this year. They’re playing a little bit more like a men’s team. And what I mean by that in the men’s game, they like to set balls tight and inside, and they try to rack hands or go underneath of you, and we hadn’t seen that this year honestly,” said Hughes.
Maryland’s defense continued to shine as the Terps earned 12 blocks and held a strong Illinois serving attack to just five aces.
Maryland will have to move forward from this loss quickly as their next Big Ten matchup comes on Sunday when they take on Indiana in College Park.
