October 20, 2024

By Christian Andriolas

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – After falling to No. 16 USC on Friday, Maryland traveled North to play Illinois (13-5, 5-3 B1G). 

The Terps entered the game losers of three straight with a record of 10-8 (1-5 B1G). Maryland was hungry for a win against a team it hasn’t beaten in its history. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever beat Illinois in Big Ten play,” said coach Adam Hughes. “We’ve been battling with them the last couple times… [last year] we had them at home and lost in five [sets].” 

The Terps took advantage of an excellent opportunity to gain some momentum in the first set due to fifth-year outside hitter Sam Csire. Csire’s first kill of the game gave Maryland a commanding 20-16 lead. 

The Fighting Illini answered with a 5-point scoring run to take the lead, but the Terps continued to fight. Maryland forced the set into extra time, however, a 3-0 scoring run by Illinois fueled its victory, 28-26. 

Illinois came out firing in set two — jumping out to a 10-1 lead — and didn’t let up from there. The Terps showed some fight to keep the score within ten but ultimately fell, 25-17. 

Set three was very similar to the first. 

The Terrapins clung to a lead for much of the set, owning a 23-22 advantage late. Once again though, Maryland couldn’t close it out falling 25-23 in the third set. 

“I think sometimes we want it so bad, it puts that pressure on [us],” said Hughes. “I think [if] we can play a little bit more free, we can find ways to [close out the sets].” 

Despite being swept for the fourth straight match, coach Hughes felt there were many positive takeaways. 

“In some ways, I thought we played pretty well tonight,” said Hughes. “[We] just have to be a little bit more consistent.” 

Maryland faces two more tough matchups next week as they travel west to face new Big Ten opponents, No. 11 Oregon and Washington.