By Ben Tugendstein
Maryland volleyball fell in straight sets to Illinois Friday night to open up their Big Ten schedule. Despite a rowdy, supportive crowd of 1,752, and strong play from Adreene Elliot, the Illini proved too resilient and took the match, 25-15, 25-15, 25-17.
Illinois came out firing in the first set, jumping out to an 8-2 lead, but the Terps rebounded after a quick timeout, going on a short run of their own to cut the lead to 3, while the crowd at Xfinity Center roared.
“I was really happy with the crowd and turnout,” commented head coach Steve Aird, who’s hoping to improve an attendance that ranked 25th nationally last year.
The Illini held their lead however behind ferocious net play from Jordyn Poulter and Katie Stadick, who took advantage of the Terps suspect setting. Maryland hung tough, winning a great rally, headed by digs from Amy Dion, and a kill by Elliot to make it 14-8, but they couldn’t break the tough Illini defense, who closed out the first set, winning 25-15.
The beginning of the second set was highlighted by a few errors by Liz Twilley to give Illinois a 6-3 advantage. Twilley’s play will be crucial with the injury suffered by star Emily Fraik last week. Again, Maryland fought hard, but lost steam, falling behind 13-7 before Aird called a timeout. This time however, the Terps couldn’t eliminate mistakes and Illinois won the set 25-15.
Captain Amy Dion provided an explanation for Illinois’ overmatching play, “They are an extremely good blocking team… They’re physical, and that’s what we’re training to be one day.”
Maryland provided their biggest resistance of the night in the third set led by Elliot who continued her great game, slamming home six kills and bringing her match total to 12. The Terps closed the gap to two, midway through the set, but as was the theme of the night, Illinois’ steady play at the net was too much for Maryland, winning the third set 25-17.
Elliot was a bright spot for the Terrapins who was praised by her head coach after the game, “Elliot had a match that is going to make people understand that she is one of the better players in the conference.”
The loss brings Maryland’s overall record to 10-5, and they will hope to end their four game losing skid against Northwestern Saturday night at 7:00 in College Park.
