The No. 16 Illinois volleyball team continues to build a strong case for hosting NCAA first- and second-round matches.
Wednesday's four-set victory at No. 18 Purdue was a significant building block in making that case. It gave the Illini a two-match season sweep of the Boilermakers, who themselves could have made a strong statement for hosting by knocking off Illinois. In the latest NCAA Rating Percentage Index (RPI), the two teams are neck and neck - the Illini at No. 6 and the Purdue at No. 7.
Illinois' latest victory against the Boilermakers presumably gives Don Hardin's team an edge on Purdue in the quest to host.
Another regional rival with hosting hopes is St. Louis, coached by former Illini assistant Anne Kordes. The Billikens are No. 21 in this week's national rankings and, more importantly, No. 9 in the RPI.
Illinois seemingly has a stronger argument than St. Louis to host, having defeated the Billikens 3-1 on Sept. 5 in St. Louis.
The Illini have three matches left before the NCAA announces its tournament field on Nov. 30: Saturday's home date with Michigan State and trips to Wisconsin on Nov. 28 and to Evanston on Nov. 30.
Win all three, and Illinois would have reason to cry foul if it wasn't selected to host.
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Illini volleyball recruit Jessica Jendryk has received a national honor. The Lisle Benet Academy senior was selected to the Under Armour All-American High School Volleyball Team. The  American Volleyball Coaches Association announced the All-American team on Wednesday.
Jendryk, a prep middle blocker who is expected to play outside hitter in college, is one of 24 first-team Under Armour All-Americans.