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Aug. 28, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - Over the years, Huff Hall has been one of the pre-eminent venues in all of college volleyball. With seats close to the action and play that has fans at the edge of their seats, it has been the place to be over the years. The Illini kick off the 2007 home schedule with their annual `Stuff Huff' match Sept. 7, hosting Marquette in the first round of the Illini Classic.

Last year Illinois began the year by jamming a crowd of 3,129 into the historic arena. Over 1,600 used their student IDs to get into the area in what likely was the largest student crowd in the history of the program. Illinois defeated Illinois State on Aug. 25 to advance to the title game.

The other two teams in the tournament square off in the first game of the night at 4:30 p.m. as Tennessee, two years removed from the Final Four plays Creighton.

"Walking into Huff Hall on game night is magical feeling," said Illinois head coach Don Hardin. "Fans are close to the action and the entire arena becomes a concert of explosive action, erupting crowd thunder and continuous entertainment."

To add to the excitement this season is the home debut of the storied Illinois freshman class. They've been called the volleyball version of the `Fab Five.' Freshman Laura DeBruler had an incredible 28 kills and 11 digs in her collegiate debut vs. Bowling Green and earned All-Tournament honors at last weekend's Dayton Flyer Classic. Middle blocker Johannah Bangert hit over .400 on the weekend, while the nation's top high school setter in 2006, Hillary Haen, is starting alongside junior Lizzie Bazzetta.

Meanwhile Vicki Brown, fresh off a summer with the USA National A2 team, promises to add to her reputation as a fan favorite. She, too, was named to the All-Tournament at Dayton.

"Illinois has traditionally been one of the national leaders in attendance," said Director of Marketing Chris Hanna. "A night at Huff is electric, bringing together a raucous student crowd with fans who have been following the program for decades. Last year's crowd was the largest in 14 years. With the team Coach Hardin has assembled this year, we anticipate and even greater level of excitement for this year's Stuff Huff event."

To help fans reminisce about their previous trips to historic Huff Hall, we are asking fans to send in their favorite memory. Simply go to fightingillini.com