When a crowd at a sporting event is inspired into a standing ovation, the reasons usually are pretty straight forward: a tremendous play; a particularly significant team victory; a special ceremony to recognize a milestone achievement or the retirement of a beloved athlete or coach.

There was a standing ovation at Huff Hall on Saturday night that fit none of those standard categories. And it spoke volumes about the Illini volleyball fandom on hand.

During the second set of Illinois' Big Ten match against Michigan State, a Spartans player crumpled to the floor near the end of a rally. For the longest time, defensive specialist Carli Weiler lay pretty much motionless as she was attended to - first by athletic trainers and later by emergency medical personnel.

I did not see what had happened to Weiler, but others said she either was hurt during a collision with a teammate or  by her fall to the floor.

In any event, it became clear with each passing moment that the Oak Lawn native and former Chicago Mother McAuley standout was seriously hurt. That sense only heightened when she remained largely motionless; when emergency personnel put her in a neck brace; and when she was carefully placed onto a stretcher and strapped in place to be transported to a local  emergency room.

At that point, you couldn't help but wonder - and worry - that Weiler had suffered a spinal cord injury. Apparently, most others  in attendance had the same grave concerns.

As Weiler was wheeled toward an exit door on the north side of the gym, virtually the entire crowd stood and gave the Spartans player an ovation. Their message was clear: We're hoping and praying that you will be all right. We're rooting - rooting hard - that your injury is not serious.

It was an ovation of concern.

Apparently, Weiler did not suffer anything close to a catastrophic injury. After the match, MSU associate head coach Russ Carney said it appeared she had a concussion, not a spinal injury. Later that night came word from the hospital that Weiler had been treated and released.

Considering how grave the situation appeared at first, it was a huge relief to hear.

We're guessing that those Spartans fans in attendance walked out of Huff Hall with an appreciation for their counterparts in Orange and Blue. By rising in unison as Weiler was wheeled out, concerned Illini fans displayed their class.

Consider this a "Standing O" to all of them.