Illinois enters the rankings after three straight ranked wins, notably a road sweep against No. 22 Washington, before the well-fought battle to Oregon. The No. 24 Illini improved to 11-4 overall, and 3-1 in Big Ten play.
The Orange and Blue have a chance to redeem themselves with another ranked win against No.7 Wisconsin this week. The Badgers will be a good challenge for the Illini with the extensive depth they provide their lineup.
Illinois will have to figure out a way to shut down Wisconsin’s freshman
phenom Audrey Flanagan. Flanagan was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after posting 31 kills in Wisconsin’s two ranked wins.
The Illini look to snap the Badgers’ five-match win streak Thursday night at Huff Hall before they travel to face No. 16 Purdue on Sunday.
