The Daily Illini: Holiday Guide 2021

THE

DI

December 1, 2021

Holiday Edition

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NEWS

The DI · Wednesday, December 2, 2021

CU business gives back to community

By Madison Holcomb Contributing Writer

Due to COVID-19, the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen’s dining room has been closed since March of 2020, going on 19 months and counting.

The Daily Bread Soup Kitchen is a volunteer-run business located in Champaign that serves meals to those in need.

According to Lynn Hall, volunteer coordinator of the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, before the pandemic, the dining room THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO used to seat 160-180 people daily to feed Two workers prep food at the Daily Bread them meals.

Soup Kitchen on Oct. 17, 2018.

However, when COVID-19 hit, the dining room closed, but that didn’t stop Daily meals to anyone who needed them — setBread from serving meals. ting up a six-foot table extending from the “We decided that we could still hand front door and sliding out meals. out a meal and meet all the government Hall explained that Daily Bread proregulations,” Hall said. vides around 230 pre-made sack meals a Following the slam of the virus, Daily day, and it has been especially useful to Bread came up with new ways to provide those struggling due to the financial issues

THE DAILY ILLINI 1001 S. Wright Street Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 337-8300

of the pandemic.

“The vast majority of the people who come there are people who probably have part-time jobs or jobs that don’t have very high hourly wages,” Hall said.

Hall mentioned that Daily Bread hasn’t struggled with attaining volunteers.

Although COVID-19 has restricted many in-person interactions, Hall emphasized the aid that Daily Bread continues to receive from the Champaign-Urbana community.

“One of the things that I really like about (the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen) and appreciate, I would say, is the support that the community gives us in many ways that people often don’t know about,” Hall said.

For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, email dbskvolunteering@gmail.com or leave a message at 217-356-7678. meh9@dailyillini.com

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LIFE & CULTURE

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Change in weather poses dangerous driving

By Adelina Garcia Contributing Writer

Students insist reckless driving on campus results in near-accidents and poses grave danger for them.

Nick Beronio, sophomore in LAS, said that while he’s never been hit by a vehicle on campus, he’s come close to it.

Beronio said he was riding his bike across a lighted intersection when a driver who did not see him decided to cross as well. Beronio said he had to stop his bike to avoid being hit.

“I was scared for a brief second, but because I was able to stop before the car got to me, I think I felt fine,” Beronio said.

Beronio added he’s had a couple of friends who’ve come close to being hit by a vehicle on campus as well.

“I think there are many reckless drivers on campus because of the demographic making up campus,” Beronio said. “Most people here are between 18 and their early twenties, and people of this age are known to be less careful drivers.”

From the start of 2020 to midNovember, the University of Illinois Police Department reported 163 car accidents. Of those 163 that were reported, three involved a pedestrian.

Sergeant Michael Unander from the UIPD said in his experience, most of the accidents he’s dealt with have been collisions with objects, not people.

In an estimate, accidents involving pedestrians happen every couple of months, Unander said.

Unander believes there are more car accidents on campus because there are more people.

“We quite possibly have more people in the campus area than there are population-wise in the city of Urbana.

“Urbana, geographically speaking, is significantly bigger than Campustown, so when you pack that many people in a small area, your chances for having an accident, or something like that, are increasing,” Unander said.

Beronio thinks many students who drive on campus may be under the influence of alcohol and smoking, as they are popular activities at the University campus.

However, Unander, who has been an officer at the University for 10 years, has seen driving under the influence drop in frequency with the help of companies such as Uber. The UIPD reported that one of the 163 accidents was caused by a DUI. There are typically more accidents

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

Cars come to a halt on Green Street before a stoplight on Sept. 30. Reckless driving on campus. From the start of 2020, campus has seen 163 car accidents.

“I think there are many reckless drivers on campus because of the demographic making up campus. Most people here are between 18 and their early twenties, and people of this age are known to be less careful drivers.”

Nick Beronio, sophomore in LAS

when there is a change in weather, Unander said.

He added that when it rains for the first time in a while, people tend to drive with less care.

Students with cars on campus have found the possibility of car accidents greater on campus than in their hometowns.

“While I’m driving (on campus) I’m a little more hesitant to go the speed limit — I go a little bit slower,” said Bella Arnotti, freshman in LAS. “Especially around the Activities and Recreation Center, or where bus stops are because people are always crossing and trying to get to the bus stop, or whatever, and not looking.”

Now 18, Arnotti said she got her

license when she was 16 years old and considers herself to be a careful driver. She said she’s had no history of traffic tickets.

Arnotti said she doesn’t regret bringing her car on campus as she can use it to travel off-campus, where she said she has an easier time driving. Still, she said she wishes driving on campus would be less difficult.

“It’s so hard to drive safely when you’re stressed about your surroundings,” Arnotti said. “And I feel like there’s nothing the University can really do about it.” adelina4@dailyillini.com

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The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

UI, Champaign-Urbana host holiday events mances from Black Chorus, Chamber Singers, Varsity Men’s Glee Club, Women’s Glee Club and University Chorus.

Audience members must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

By Gwyn Skiles Features Editor

Celebrating the holiday season with a majority vaccinated population, the University and Champaign-Urbana are hosting several activities and events. Here are some holiday productions that are near campus:

Allerton's Holiday Showcase

``The Nutcracker''

On Dec. 3, Allerton Park and Retreat Center will launch its annual Holiday GLOW event where onlookers can walk through the gardens lit

by Christmas lights. The lights will be up on select dates through Jan. 15.

The Allerton mansion, decorated for the holidays, will be on display for ticket holders on Dec. 14. TourPHOTO COURTESY OF KRANNERT CENTER FOR PERFORMING ART ists will learn the history of Robert Champaign-Urbana Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" onstage at The Krannert Center for Allerton and how he built his estate. Performing Arts. This holiday season, Krannert is hosting "The Nutcracker" Dec. 3 - Dec. 5.

Season of Light

tural practices of the winter.

The history of the holidays will be presented at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College at 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 3. “Seasons of Light” recounts the religious and cul-

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gskiles2@dailyillini.com

Holidays2021

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na. The market is open Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 19.

Several vendors will set up to sell several German treats and drinks at the Riggs Christmas Market in Urba-

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The University choruses and instrumentalists will present several holiday anthems at the annual Carol Concert on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Krannert Center for Performing Arts.

The concert will feature perfor-

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The Champaign-Urbana Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at The Krannert Center for Performing Arts on Dec. 3 — Dec. 5 at various times.

The show features the classic E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale about a young girl and her friend, the nutcracker prince who comes to life, in a battle against the Mouse King.

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

5

Celebrate the holiday season with festive CU spots

By Kylie Corral Staff Writer

As the magic of the holiday season rushes around the corner, the C-U community will be full of Christmas cheer, welcoming wishes and lots of giving. As people spend more time with their beloved family and friends, they might be wondering where they could find a cozy Christmas atmosphere in the C-U community. There are many locally owned businesses that offer just that!

The Literary The Literary is Champaign-Urbana’s very own indie book bar that opened late this fall with all the necessities for the perfect, cozy holiday trip this year. The Literary offers books, wine and fun, a mixture that’s foolproof for Christmas cheer.

“We are so grateful for all the support, encouragement and generosity we’ve experienced in the short time we’ve been open,” said Remington Rock, The Literary event planner. “The community has been so welcoming and positive. Anything from kind words upon visiting to lovely reviews has been so wonderful!”

The Literary is already widely known in the C-U community for its many local events, garnering lots of attention from customers. This holiday season, it will have a Brunch with Santa on Dec. 5, Extended Holidays Shopping Hours on Dec. 14 and Ugly Sweater Night on Dec. 17.

Rock said The Literary’s menus are created to invoke warmth and that “fuzzy feeling” the holidays bring.

“During not just the winter holidays but all year-round, we want to promote the importance of shopping and supporting your local businesses,” Rock said. “This community is full of wonderful local offerings that make C-U so unique and special. We’re so excited and thankful to be here and appreciate you more than you know!”

Uniting Pride Uniting Pride is the largest resource center for the LGBTQ+ community in Champaign-Urbana. As the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in C-U, Uniting Pride works to plan various events alongside their well-known yearly pride fest. Uniting Pride offers resources, training and workshops, as well as providing social and support programs for people of all ages. Uniting Pride is an organization that brings the Champaign-Urbana

PHOTO COURTESY OF LITERARY BOOK BAR WEBSITE

The Literary, an indie book bar newly opened in downtown Champaign, is hosting Holiday themed events, like a brunch with Santa on Dec. 5. community together through its events and available resources.

While Uniting Pride is open for its regular duties this season, it will also be planning Christmas events for the holidays.

In collaboration with The Literary, Uniting Pride will be hosting a Slay Bell Bash fundraiser for its organization on Dec. 11. If you’re looking for a way to support Uniting Pride this holiday season, come to the Slay Bell Bash fundraiser.

The Idea Store The Idea Store is a nonprofit store that supplies artists with creative reuse for their projects. Donations are taken in by the shop and then sold for a multitude of different arts and crafts projects. The Idea Store is for everyone to explore their passions and creativity in art.

The Idea Store is a big part of the Champaign-Urbana community, and the holidays, for many, are a time of welcoming and giving in the C-U area.

“The Idea Store is a donation-based store, so we experience giving constantly,” said Jessy Ruddell, executive director of the store. “The holidays are a time to

connect with our customers, and there’s a few days of rest for our staff too.”

The Idea store is a primary location for those looking to celebrate the holidays this year. As Christmas approaches, many customers are visiting The Idea Store to search for heartfelt Christmas gifts.

“Cozy is not a word I’d use for The Idea Store,” Rudell said. “We facilitate coziness here instead. People run into each other a lot while shopping. Saturday there are usually a lot of friends that find each other at the same time.”

Christmas is a time for those you love, and The Idea Store is a perfect place to visit with friends and family. It’s the right place to begin your gift crafting for this year too. Ruddell wishes everyone out there a happy and safe holiday time with friends this holiday season.

The Community Center for the Arts The Community Center for the Arts is a haven for artists of all kinds and is a collective musical community within the C-U community this holiday season through the themes of welcoming and giving.

“First, strengthening musical connections in our community is at the heart of what we do at C4A,” said Tom Faux, director of programming at the Community Center for the Arts.

He said the center was overwhelmed by the support the C-U community has shown during the pandemic.

“We truly would not have survived the long online-only period without strong support from C-U and the surrounding community,” Faux said.

Faux also said lessons are the best gift to your loved ones this holiday and that the Community Center for the Arts has gift certificates they would be happy to customize for any instrument. Faux said music, which is a huge aspect of the holidays, is also a big part of C4A, which makes the center a perfect place for celebrating the holidays.

“Music-making and holiday celebration are just different faces of the same community spirit,” Faux said.“The holidays are a time when people are more conscious of the ties that bind us all together, and music is one of the most important of those ties!”

6

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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GOOD LUCK ON FINALS AND ENJOY YOUR WINTER BREAK!

No matter who is on your holiday list, we have a gift idea for you.

Check out our Shop Local Guide to find gifts for foodies, Illini fans, homebodies, art lovers, and more!

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The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

COVID-19 cases rise as holiday season approaches Champaign County sees 168% increase in test positivity

By Ashley Gilbert Staff Writer

COVID-19 cases have spiked in Champaign County over the last month as the holiday season approaches.

According to data from the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District page, positive COVID-19 cases have increased by 168% from the week of Oct. 17 to the week of Nov. 14.

Professor Rebecca Smith, epidemiologist and member of the COVID-19 SHIELD, stated that the SHIELD team was not surprised about the increase of cases and has been predicting this increase for weeks.

“We knew that once midterms were finished, the same time we hit Halloween weekend, that there were bound to be a few more cases happening...

We jumped on testing clusters a little bit more closely as soon as we could,” Smith said.

SHIELD was able to react quickly to the increase in cases based on the case trend from previous semesters, noted Smith.

According to Smith, the University undergraduate cases have been getting back under control since the rise in early November, but the cases in the entire county are still rising.

Jon Faw, a supervisor of SHIELD testing sites, said he would be concerned in regard to the rise in cases with upcoming holiday breaks.

However, neither Faw nor Smith were surprised about the increasing number of cases.

“Last year we saw an uptick in cases when the winter months came around,” Faw said. “I think specifically on a college campus a lot of things move indoors instead of outdoors and that adds to cases.”

Faw noted the efficiency of SHIELD and the work that has been done to decrease the overall spread.

“We worked very closely with the University to find a well-balanced testing requirement for those who are not vaccinated,” Faw said. “We are doing our best to provide services that people can use conveniently and to get their results back as quickly as possible.”

SHIELD has also taken steps to

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

Vaccination supplies sit on a table at the Carle COVID-19 Vaccine Location, next to the Market Place Shopping Center on Nov. 6. COVID-19 cases have been significantly increasing in Champaign County before the holiday season. slow the transmission rate throughout the county by opening a community testing site at CRCE. They are hoping to mitigate the overall cases in the county, according to Faw. Due to the high success rate of SHIELD’s operation, they do not plan on making significant changes next semester and foresee the same protocols being implemented even with the massive increase in positive cases. “ We absolutely see that our response is effective,” Smith said. “It has brought cases back under control ... We’re not likely to change our plans for the spring semester.”

As of right now, the University is seemingly optimistic about case numbers. Smith encourages students to follow the guidelines outlined in the Massmails concerning the upcoming holiday breaks which heavily include getting tested before and after traveling.

“We are already seeing it coming back under control, and we are really happy to be seeing that,” Smith said.

However, despite the effort the University is putting in, the cases in the county have continued to rise weekly since the end of October. alg7@dailyillini.com

“We

knew that once midterms were finished, the same time we hit Halloween weekend, that there were bound to be a few more cases happening.”

Rebecca Smith, Associate Professor in Veterinary Medicine

OPINIONS

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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Christmas FM delivers holiday joy Irish radio station Christmas FM provides listeners with Christmas cheer, fundraises for charity each year NATHANIEL LANGLEY OPINIONS EDITOR It was a month before Christmas, when all through the house, not a Christmas song was playing — not even Mariah Carey.

A resounding quiet lay across the Langley household. For years, holiday sounds stemmed from traditional sources like local radio, Christmas CDs or — employing today’s streaming environment — Apple Music and Spotify playlists. However, following years of repetitive tunes, a Christmas change was overdue.

From a combination of boredom and chance, a new source was discovered a few seasons ago: Christmas FM, Ireland’s Christmas station.

However, my voyage into adoring an Irish Christmas radio station begins with iHeartRadio’s North Pole Radio and the foray into live holiday music.

From an early age, I’ve possessed a fascination with live entertainment: “Saturday Night Live,” cable news and car rides blaring Kansas City’s Mix 93.3 captured my childhood passions. Now, this appreciation for “the live” has matured into a seasonal fixation on live Christmas music from the Emerald Isle.

Rather than constantly supplying holiday songs myself, listening to on-air music allows one to appreciate the effort and artistry DJs prepare. Similarly, the moments between songs where sleigh bells ring and a voiceover reminds you to enjoy the holidays are quaintly impressive.

With North Pole Radio and Christmas FM, this live phenomenon mixed with snow slipping through outside’s sparkly gusts define my Christmas.

Moreover, my transition from North Pole Radio to Christmas FM began around 2018 when, momentarily and unknowingly, iHeartRadio ended its holiday station. Without a live Christmas sound, I turned to

JULIA EVERSMANN THE DAILY ILLINI

Apple Music’s radio page for holiday refuge. Scouring through silent minutes, salvation was found in Christmas FM. A live station dedicated to Christmas music 24/7 is better than any gift beneath the tree. Whereas North Pole Radio was decommissioned after each holiday season, Christmas FM endures year-round to my absolute glee.

Nevertheless, a regretful confession: I’m not that Irish. Majority English and German, most of my Irish lineage remains with vague family disclosures of “Your great-great-aunt was possibly Irish.” Is my captivation for Christmas FM my way of living out my Irish heritage fantasy? Possibly. Still, the station is terrific enough that Oliver Cromwell — Ireland’s most hated man — would concede to its wonders.

In addition to an outstanding holiday catalog, the station’s dedications recounting Irish families’ joys and reunions as well as local traffic updates represent holiday magic. Likewise, the station each year partners with a flagship charity to achieve the true meaning of the holidays: giving to those who can’t.

This year, Christmas FM has partnered with Barnardos, “Ireland’s leading children’s charity, working to give vulnerable children living in disadvantaged communities a better chance – because childhood lasts a lifetime.” Planning to raise €250,000 — around $280,000 — to change 5,000 impoverished children’s lives, Christmas FM delivers not only on spreading holiday music cheer but also Christmas compassion.

What will define the holidays won’t be the new iPhone under the tree or

the awkward pair of socks your mom may give nor does it have to be the unnecessary stress of impressing family or lamenting over uncontrollable circumstances.

What embodies the holidays are the loved ones surrounding you, the snowflakes you can discern upon your warm window and the strums of holiday sounds filling your environment.

Christmas FM satisfies my whimsical wish for an Irish Christmas.

Wrapped in green, white and orange, the station gifts my home with holiday cheer as radio personalities greet me into Christmas. I invite all to accompany me in this vicarious Irish involvement and to listen to the station and tune into the holidays.

Nathaniel is a junior in LAS. ntl3@dailyillini.com

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OPINIONS

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Biden must endeavor to counter inflation ANDREW PROZOROVSKY SENIOR COLUMNIST President Joe Biden’s honeymoon with the media has ended and his approval rating has sunk, according to reputable polls. Unlike his predecessor, he has not eschewed any negative poll result; President Biden himself has admitted his approval rating is currently low, though he has also insisted his low approval rating is not disconcerting and is simply part of the natural ebbs and flows of the presidency.

But unfortunately, after Republican Glenn Youngkin’s upset victory in Virginia, Democrats cannot ignore the reality of Biden’s unpopularity if they wish to avoid a Republican landslide in midterm elections next year.

So why has Biden’s approval rating sunk so far from where it once was a few months ago?

Some of it can be explained by the low enthusiasm from Biden’s base supporters — moderate liberals and reliable supporters of the Democratic establishment — mixed with the high enthusiasm from conservative voters. Conservative messaging has worked much better than Democrats would like to admit. While concerns over critical race theory are overblown and misrepresent the academic lens of analysis, fears instilled by conservative media have successfully terrified Republican voters.

Not all of those who oppose the Biden administration would rather see another iteration of the Trump administration.

Biden’s approval ratings also account for disillusioned progressives, who wish to see Biden follow through on promises such as canceling student loan debt or police reform.

But Biden’s lackluster polling cannot simply be reduced to political messaging and centrist posturing. There is a common enemy across the political spectrum, a large elephant in the room, swaying voters against Biden’s governance: inflation.

Initially, inflation served as a GOP bogeyman and convenient economic tool used to stoke fear and inspire conservative turnout. But inflation has spiked 6.2% over the last year and nearly 1% over the last month alone, price increases not seen since 1990. It’s not as bad as inflation seen in the 1970s, though Biden would be wise to recall lessons from President Jimmy Carter’s failed re-election bid.

Inflation may be a product of too much stimulus injected into the economy, or it may simply be an inevitable step toward pandemic recovery. It also ought to be

PHOTO BY YURI GRIPAS/ABACA PRESS/TNS

President Joe Biden at the virtual summit on Oct. 26. Senior columnist Andrew Prozorovsky believes that Biden will have trouble gaining supporters due to the inflation during his presidency. recognized that inflation is rising worldwide — not exclusively in the U.S. Regardless of its impetus, Biden must endeavor to counter the growing inflation crisis above all other topical political priorities.

Until the leviathan that is inflation is dealt with, the political victories Biden has secured so far in his first nine months — COVID-19 relief, the Afghanistan withdrawal and now the bipartisan infrastructure package — will not sway voters.

Although the Federal Reserve is mostly responsible for the stability of prices, there is action Biden can take to chasten inflation.

Given that much of the inflation can be accounted for by gas price increases (gas index rose 6.1% in October), Biden first needs to utilize American oil reserves to lower the price of gas domestically.

Second, Biden can increase incentives and works to reduce unemployment — slow wage growth and quicken the pace of recovery. Biden’s White House is correct: This economy is one in which workers have amassed more leverage over

the employer. The empowered laborer is a positive change of pace for America.

But that does not change its contribution toward price increases. Besides, inflation damages the hard-fought wage increases.

While the last two proposals sadly undercut progressive policy goals (to increase American energy independence after the Glasgow Climate Summit and strengthen the working class), this next one would be a win for Biden’s Democratic allies. Since inflation has largely resulted from supply chain shortages and the slowed production of goods, Biden must rescind Trump’s tariffs on raw materials, such as steel and lumber.

Finally, in the face of all the scrutiny, Biden must continue to increase vaccination rates to speed up recovery.

This would not only serve to limit inflation but would also combat COVID-19 fatigue, another phenomenon responsible for the president’s low approval ratings.

The passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package was a strong start

to combating inflation, as improved infrastructure will lubricate the supply chain, which will help stabilize prices.

But if inflation continues to fester, it will weaken the efficacy of Biden’s signature policies, like COVID-19 relief, as the value of money (and consequently government spending) will have fallen.

Progressives may not like the policies Biden has to embrace to avoid dangerous levels of inflation, but a quick resolution to the ballooning crisis will allow his administration to return to focusing on fulfilling the progressive policy goals that Biden campaigned on. Instead of Biden’s presidency being defined by a flood of inflation, these steps would allow the recentering of Biden’s legacy on his fulfilled promises.

On the horizon is another potential win for Biden — the reconciliation package. But Biden beware, until prices stabilize, voters won’t care.

Andrew is a senior in LAS. atp4@dailyillini.com

SPORTS

The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

11

llinois volleyball earns berth in NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes Sports Editor

For the first time since 2019, Illinois volleyball is back in the postseason, earning a berth in the NCAA tournament, which will begin this weekend.

The Illini (20-11 overall, 12-8 Big Ten) finished the regular season last week with a 3-1 loss at Michigan on Wednesday before bouncing back with a sweep of Michigan State in East Lansing on Friday and sit in seventh place in the final conference standings.

Illinois will travel to Lexington, Kentucky, to play West Virginia in the first round on Friday, and it’ll take on either No. 7 Kentucky or Southeast Missouri State if it advances to Round 2.

After an underwhelming COVIDshortened season last year that saw the Illini finish 7-11, they opened their fall campaign on a strong note with the return of nonconference play.

Illinois went 8-3 before even starting Big Ten competition, picking up wins over 2020 NCAA tournament teams Missouri and Illinois State in straight sets.

Starting its conference schedule with wins over Iowa and Northwestern, Illinois rolled out of West Lafayette with a five-set upset win over then-No. 4 Purdue on Oct. 1, opening Big Ten action with a 3-0 record for the first time since 2018.

The Illini then went on a three-match skid, falling twice to the Wisconsin Badgers and once to the Boilermakers in Champaign, though they bounced back with wins in five of their next six matches, with the only loss coming to then-No.9 Nebraska on the road on Oct. 16. That run also included the team’s second road upset of the season, this time pulling out a four-set victory in University Park against then-No. 13 Penn State on Oct. 30.

Following the team’s win over the Nittany Lions, the Illini struggled in their four-game homestand, losing three of the four matches in straight sets, though each of the defeats came against ranked teams: then-No. 9 Nebraska, then-No. 11 Minnesota and No. 10 Ohio State.

Illinois then closed the season with three wins out of four, sweeping Indiana and Michigan State on the road and Maryland at home on Senior Day. Sophomore Raina Terry was the

RYAN ASH THE DAILY ILLINI

Megan Cooney celebrates with her teammates during Illinois' match against Purdue on Oct. 6 at Huff Hall. The Illini will face West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA tournament this weekend. biggest weapon on the Illini offense, notching a career-high 391 kills, while the Ohio native also led the Big Ten in service aces per set (0.47).

Graduate student Megan Cooney also surpassed the 300-kill mark in her final regular season with 344 kills on a .261 kill while setting a career high with 29 aces, and junior Jessica Nunge, who transferred to Illinois from Florida State this offseason, finished her first regular season in Champaign with 295 kills and 32 aces, both of which were the thirdbest marks on the team.

Senior Taylor Kuper dominated at libero, finishing sixth in the conference in aces (0.39 per set) and fifth in digs (4.51 per set). Redshirt junior Diana Brown also stood out as one of the Big Ten’s top setters, ending the regular season with the sixth-most

assists per set (10.25).

Middle blockers Kennedy Collins, Kyla Swanson and Maddie Whittington all played big roles on both offense and defense, with Collins leading the way with a career-high 256 kills and a team-high 118 blocks, also a career best. Swanson wasn’t far behind with 127 kills and 93 blocks, while Whittington notched 38 kills and 31 blocks despite playing in just 11 matches this season.

Illinois heads to Lexington looking for its first postseason win since 2018 after falling to Utah in five sets in the first round in 2019. The Illini will take on the Mountaineers on Friday, though the time has yet to be announced.

@JacksonJanes3 janes6@dailyillini.com

RYAN ASH THE DAILY ILLINI

Sophomore Raina Terry serves the ball during the match against Purdue on Oct. 6.

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The DI · Wednesday, December 1, 2021

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