Nov. 5, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern (8-15, 3-10 Big Ten) travels to Champaign, Ill. Saturday, Nov. 6 for a 7 p.m. showdown with intra-state rival No. 25 Illinois (5-6, 7-5). The match against the Fighting Illini marks the second time this season the Wildcats are appearing on television. The ESPN2 broadcast is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7 (tape-delay).
NU fell to then-No. 19 Illinois Oct. 1 in Welsh-Ryan Arena in three games (21-30, 17-30, 27-30).
This time around will not be any easier, as Illinois boasts one of the strongest offenses in the Big Ten. The Fighting Illini are currently ranked third in hitting percentage (.263) and fourth in total kills (1,295) in conference play.
Illinois' offense is extremely balanced and consistent, as they have three players in the top-10 in hitting percentage. Its premier player is Jessica Belter, who is hitting .350 with 170 kills in the Big Ten.
Sophomore Julie Purcell (Louisville, Ky./Assumption) leads NU's offense with 3.33 kill per game in conference play for a total of 193. Freshman Brittney Aldridge (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) leads the team in hitting percentage with a .267 average from her middle blocker position.
The Series with the Fighting Illini
All-Time Series: Illinois leads 38-21
Most Recent Meeting: Oct. 1, 2004 (UI, 3-0)
2004 Record: 15-6 (7-5, Big Ten)