The 2004 Illinois volleyball season was one of intense excitement. With an overall record of 19-12, last year’s Fighting Illini volleyball squad played hard, entertaining an always-rowdy Illinois crowd by using their exciting and fast-paced play to pull off some impressive victories. The highlight of the season was an upset of #1 USC in front of nearly 3,000 screaming Illini fans at Huff Hall, ending the opposing team’s record 52-match winning streak. This victory put the Illini into the Top 10 rankings for the first time since 1993. Also of note were victories over #7 Ohio State, also undefeated at the time, and Wisconsin, who were on an 8-match winning streak coming into the match-up. The Illini suffered the loss of senior standout and honorable mention All-American setter Erin Virtue to an ACL tear on September 17th, causing her to miss the rest of the season. However, the Illini were able to re-group and went on to finish 5th in the Big 10 with a record of 11-9 and were one of 8 Big 10 teams to qualify for the NCAA Tournament (where they lost to Louisville in the first round). Senior Jessica Belter achieved unanimous First Team All-Big 10 honors and became only 1 of 9 Illini players ever to achieve All-American status when she received the honor of Honorable Mention All-American. Additionally, Rachel VanMeter was awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference and Jen Hynds was named to the Big 10 All-Freshman Team. The Illini led the Big 10 nearly all year in service aces and were ranked 10th nationally in attendance at home matches, drawing nearly 23,000 fans to Huff Hall this season. Thanks to a enthusiastic crowd of orange and blue, highlighted especially by the rowdy and loud Spike Squad, the Illini volleyball team has achieved an impressive record of 24-4 at home in the past two seasons.The Illini lost an outstanding senior class last year in Kathleen Bazzetta, Jessica Belter, Lauren Harks, and Erin Virtue. Next season the Illini will look to seniors Rachel VanMeter and Rasa Virsilaite as well as junior Beth Vrdsky and sophomore Vicky Brown to set the pace for the team. Sophomore Stephanie Obermeier and incoming freshman Lizzy Bazzetta (sister of Kathleen) will look to fill the setter position. With a roster of talented athletes under the guidance of Head Coach Don Hardin, the 2005 Illinois Volleyball season is sure to bring excitement to all. So come out to Huff Hall and join the Spike Squad as we cheer on the Illini Volleyball team through another great year!