In the Big Ten Volleyball Preseason poll, experts had the Illini sitting at No. 10. This was no surprise, as Illinois brought in six new athletes in the offseason, boasting three transfer portal signees.
A majority of the roster had to be rebuilt by the hands of head coach Chris Tamas, who enters his 10th season in the position. Tamas has intentions of sticking around, as he signed a contract extension through the 2028-29 season.
However, it has been the chemistry of Illinois’ front row that has ignited a spark in this team.
Junior Paityn Chapman and senior Taylor de Boer have been a lethal duo at the net. De Boer comes into the 2026 season after having a breakout junior year, being named to the All- Big Ten second team. Chapman joins as a transfer from Tennessee, where she averaged 2.46 kills a set. In the Illini’s conference opener victory over No. 15 Minnesota, the pair amassed 26 kills and 4 blocks.
Their second ranked win over No. 23 USC was no different.
The Illini swept USC, led by sophomore standout Alyssa Aguayo. Aguayo made waves her freshman year by being named to the All-Big Ten Freshman team, and started all 29 matches for the Illini. Aguayo has become a go-to outside hitter for the Orange and Blue, she posted a career-high tying 18 kills in the USC outing.
The success of this team has come from everyone playing their part, as junior middle blocker Kristina Starostenko chipped in another seven kills in the sweep.
Tying all of this together is the glue of the Illini lineup, senior setter Kenna Phelan. Phelan is in her second year at Illinois, after transferring from Florida State before her junior season. Phelan tallied 73 assists, 19 digs, and 4 kills between the two matches. The senior comes into this year after starting every match for the Illini last season and being named to the All-Big Ten second team. Her dominant performance this week earned her the Big Ten Setter of the Week award.
Joining her in weekly awards is sophomore libero Talita Goncalves. This is Goncalves’ first season with the Illini, and she has contributed 32 digs between the first two conference games, securing her spot for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award.
After the eventful week, the Illini are officially on a six-match winning streak. This marked the first time the team has locked down two consecutive ranked victories since 2019. Although the team is looking hotter than ever, they have another hard week ahead.
The squad is tasked with a trip to the Pacific Northwest next week, where they will meet Washington on Friday night, and No. 20 Oregon Sunday afternoon.
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