Bartsch helps end Wildcats' streak

CHAMPAIGN – Michelle Bartsch led a balanced attack with 13 kills as No. 10 Illinois defeated Northwestern 25-20, 25-16, 25-19 on Wednesday.

Laura DeBruler and Kylie McCulley each added 12 kills for the Illini (13-3, 5-2 Big Ten), who won their fourth straight. Northwestern (11-8, 2-5) had won four straight matches at Huff Hall.

"We knew they had had success here, and we had to come out tonight ready for a battle," UI setter Hillary Haen said. "I think we came out very focused."

Haen had 41 assists.

"Hillary did a great job of distributing the ball equally and running the offense, maybe the best she has done since she's been here," Illinois coach Kevin Hambly said.

Illinois' all-time digs leader Ashley Edinger led the way with 19 digs, and the Illini received major contributions from McCulley (15 digs), Bartsch (13) and DeBruler (12).

Illinois trailed 15-14 in the first set before taking command with a 6-1 run. In the second set, Illinois used a 6-0 run to open an 18-8 lead. The Illini's 11-2 spurt in the final set broke open the contest.

The Illini wore special uniforms in honor of "Dig Pink" night and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"I think it's really important to us as women," Haen said. "One out of eight women will have breast cancer, so events like this are important to raise awareness. It was great to see so many in the stands wearing pink as well."

Illinois next takes on No. 6 Minnesota in the "Spike the Record" event Friday at the Assembly Hall.

In wrestling:

Illini add Big 12 foes. Duals against Big 12 Conference powers Iowa State and Missouri highlight the UI wrestling schedule, released Wednesday.

Iowa State placed third at the 2009 NCAA Championships, and the Tigers were seventh. Both matches will take place on the road. The Nov. 12 dual against Missouri serves as the Illini's season opener.

"I am pleased with the upgrades we have made to our schedule by adding two teams from the Big 12 in Iowa State and Missouri," Illinois coach Jim Heffernan said. "Combined with our usually rigorous tournament and Big Ten schedule, I am confident this will help prepare us for the postseason."

The Illini begin the Big Ten portion of the schedule Jan. 22 at Penn State. They travel to Michigan State on Jan. 24. The following weekend Illinois will visit Indiana and Northwestern before returning home for four Big Ten duals in February.

In women's gymnastics:

Ranked foes highlight schedule. The Illinois women's gymnastics schedule will include six home meets and 10 opponents that finished last season ranked in the Top 25. The schedule was released Wednesday.

The Illini open the season with the UI men in the Mixed Pairs exhibition Dec. 6. The first regular season meet is in Corvallis, Ore., the Salbasgeon Suites Invitational against Oregon State, Air Force and Alaska on Jan. 8.

The first home meet is Jan. 23 against Oklahoma at Huff Hall.

The Big Ten Championships are March 27 at Ohio State.

Comments

Add a Comment