Ali Bastianelli sets blocks record as Illini Volleyball splits week

After their first loss of the season last week, the Illini went .500 this week, defeating Northwestern after losing to No. 5 Wisconsin on Wednesday. Illinois continues to impress, playing well in all their games and having only lost to two top-five programs.

The Illini hit the road next week, where they will face two top-10 opponents in Minnesota and Wisconsin, who they will play for the second time in two weeks.

October 3: #5 Wisconsin 3, #7 Illinois 1

Though the Illini jumped out to an early one-set lead over the Badgers, Illinois fell off in subsequent sets, losing the match 25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 18-25.

Each set had its own story, as both teams were firing in the first set, as Wisconsin hit…