After compiling a 24-7 (15-5 Big Ten) record in the regular season, Illinois volleyball earned a No. 9 national seed in the NCAA Tournament and the chance to play the first two rounds at Huff Hall. But before they can start to think about round two, the Illini face the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Friday.

Illinois' 6-0 run at the beginning of the second half was the highlight of Thursday night's 63-39 loss to No. 20 Virginia at the Assembly Hall. After shooting 29 percent from the field and losing the rebounding battle 43-26, a loss was inevitable.

With a long history between head coaches Jolette Law of Illinois and Debbie Ryan of Virginia, it was tough for Ryan to watch parts of the game.