University of Illinois volleyball coach Don Hardin isn't as worried about his team's record as he is its state of mind.

"Our concern is can we keep our motivation intact through this swing," Hardin said after the Illini's 15-9, 15-5, 15-2 loss to top-ranked Penn State on Friday night in State College, Pa. "That's a big question mark right now because each time we lose, it takes another chip off our confidence."

The UI completes its four-match road swing against ranked teams tonight in Bloomington, Ind., against the Hoosiers. The Illini have won one game in losses at Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State.

"So far we haven't seen all our players fire on all cylinders yet," Hardin said. "We have two or three players out of it, then they regroup and some others go away. We're very concerned about it.

"We're not disheartened. We'll keep pressing forward."

Illinois led Game 1 6-3 before Penn State rattled off eight consecutive points.

"In the last two games, they showed why they're No. 1," Hardin said.

Lauren Cacciamani had 15 kills to lead the Nittany Lions, 14-0 overall, 3-0 Big Ten. With the win, Penn State's Russ Rose became the eighth active coach to win 600 matches at one school.

Cristy Chapman led the Illini, 9-4, 0-3, with eight kills.

"At home, we're (mentally) tough," Hardin said. "On the road, we need to grow up."

In women's tennis: Two Illini advance.

Junior Megan Wise and sophomore Lisa Panique advanced to the semifinals of their respective divisions at Friday's Eck Classic in South Bend, Ind.

At No. 3 singles, Wise beat Western Michigan's Kristen Devall 6-2, 6-1 and Michigan's Allison Sinclair 6-3, 6-3. She plays Northwestern's Robyn Porter today.

At No. 6 singles, Panique beat Illinois State's Larissa Fostiak 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 after receiving a first-round bye.

Illinois received at least one win from all eight of its singles players.