After a dominant straight-sets win Sunday over Indiana, Maryland volleyball looked to carry its momentum into an upset of No. 6 Illinois.

While the Terps showed signs of life near the end of the match, the Illini dominated from start to finish, sweeping the Terps (25-14, 25-14, 25-19).

In the first set, the Illini’s defense held the Terps off the board, even as Illinois’ offense gifted Maryland (13-10, 4-7 Big Ten) some points. The Illini notched 17 kills but also had four attack errors and four service errors. But they recorded 15 digs and four blocks, holding the Terps to a -.032 hitting percentage with just six kills in the 25-14 frame.

“This is definitely one of the better blocking teams and they’re more physical,” coach Adam Hughes said. “It’s a veteran group, and we have a young team on the road, and I thought we were a little, I would say, timid out of the gate.”

Illinois (19-3, 8-3) controlled the second set just as much as the first. The Illini added three more blocks, 19 digs and 15 kills, taking the second set, 25-14.

Middle blocker Ashlyn Fleming led the Illinois blocking game with six blocks while setter Jordyn Poulter compiled five rejections. The senior passer also provided 39 assists and seven digs.

“They were playing really scrappy defense,” outside hitter Liz Twilley said. “They get good touches on the block and then their defenders are able to track down the ball.”

The third set was far more competitive, with the Terps hanging around and taking a 15-14 lead. But the Illini retook control, ending the match on an 11-4 run and completing the sweep.

The top beneficiaries of Poulter’s passes were outside hitters Jacqueline Quade and Megan Cooney, who each registered 12 kills. Cooney hit .455 while Quade recorded a double-double, adding 14 digs.

“Their setter is very, very good and we didn’t get enough offense going to cause them problems,” Hughes said.

No Maryland player managed to reach the double-digit kill mark. Outside hitter Erika Pritchard managed nine kills on a .079 hitting percentage. Middle blocker Katie Myers chipped in five kills and four blocks as the Terps dropped their fourth match in the past five attempts. Maryland finished with a .055 hitting percentage as a team.

“We didn’t play very well tonight against a good team,” Hughes said.