UCLA is tied with Illinois 1-1 after two sets. The first set went to UCLA 25-23, while Illinois came from behind to win the second set 25-23.
The first set saw 12 ties as momentum swung from one side of the court to the other. UCLA went on a 7-1 run to take the lead away from Illinois, only to give up a 6-1 run to Illinois immediately afterward. Rachael Kidder had 6 kills in the first set and scored on set point for the Bruins. Kidder cooled off in the second however, adding three kills for a total of nine.
Mariana Aquino and Zoe Nightingale were effective on the block in the first set, but Illinois found ways around the UCLA defense in the second set. Six-foot-6 freshman Liz McMahon was able to use her height to her advantage to the tune of six kills.
The second set saw runs of 4-0 by Illinois followed by a 4-1 run UCLA. UCLA saw a second set lead of 20-13 dwindle to one point and disappear, as Illinois fought their way back into the game and avoided going down 2-0.
The Illini went on a 12-3 run to close out the second set. Senior Colleen Ward and McMahon led the Illinois comeback, and senior Michelle Bartsch leads the Illini with 10 kills.
Compiled by Eric Peck, Bruin sports senior staff.