By Megan Tervo

The University of Maryland volleyball team faced Illinois on Friday, Oct. 23, at the Schanwald Pavilion. The game went to a fifth set, but Illinois ultimately claimed victory after winning the final set 15-8.

Despite the loss, the Terps played well, winning the first and third sets, 25-22 and 26-24, respectively.

Several Maryland players put up impressive statistics. Senior outside hitter Sydney Bryant led the team in kills with 17. Freshman defensive specialist Elayna Davidson had two service aces, and another freshman defensive specialist, Raina Chwialkowski, led the team in digs with 19 throughout the match.^,

Sophomore psychology major Shannon Harbey has attended a few Maryland volleyball matches, including a couple last year and the Nebraska game this year, which set a new program record with 15,127 fans.

“I thought there was a lot of energy. I kind of didn’t expect there to be a lot of people, but it was fun!” Harbey said.

Many alumni also attended the game, as it was the first game as part of volleyball’s alumni weekend.  Several former players were honored between sets two and three.

Damelie Mussina, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences, was in attendance for the game with the Maryland Pep Band, where she plays the clarinet. The band played a major role in bringing the energy to the pavilion, cheering on the team and attempting to distract the Fighting Illini.

“I think we’re sort of our own little team. Everyone’s really supportive, and we just show up to bring that extra spirit and support to the games, and that’s what I love most about playing in it,’” Mussina said.

As a former high school athlete, she appreciated the chance to play at one of the volleyball games.

“I find volleyball one of the more interesting sports for me to watch personally. And I think also seeing women’s volleyball is really important to me as a woman. I think for women’s sports, it’s especially important to keep supporting them and showing our spirit,” Mussina said.

Bryant’s mother, Lisa D. Bryant, was incredibly proud of the team’s tenacity on the court.

“I’m excited to see the trajectory to continue upward for them to continue to work together as a team and just enjoy the game that they love so much,” Bryant said.

She would love to see the team, as well as the other women’s sports teams on campus, be promoted more by the school.

“Maryland has a lot of talent here, and they have a lot of homegrown talent. I think [the university] could do a better job promoting them,” Bryant said.

After suffering another loss to Michigan State on Sunday, Maryland fell to 12-9 this season. The Terps will take on No. 25 Oregon and Washington in their next two matchups.

Featured Image: Senior middle blocker Eva Rohrbach with the serve. 23 October 2026. Photo by Megan Tervo.