URBANA — Uni lost to the defending East Central Illinois Conference champions, the Decatur Lutheran Lady Lions, in a home match Friday night. Uni lost in two games: 19-25, 18-25.

Despite the defeat, the team's first in conference play this season, the Illineks hung tough with the ECIC champs.

“It was an exciting match tonight,” commented head coach Amanda Palla. “We had a tough start, getting down 5-11 in the first game. However, we played even 14-14 for the rest of the game."

The team's record is now 10-7 overall, and 4-1 in the East Central Illinois Conference. With the win, Decatur Lutheran remained undefeated in the ECIC standings.

Senior Jessi Sullivan led the Illineks with eight digs, followed by junior Michelle Wong with six. In addition, senior Annie Machesky and junior Tuli Bera each had five digs.

Last year the Uni girls lost to the Lady Lions 7-25, 8-25 in their first first match and 16-25, 17-25 in their second. The Illineks will play Decatur Lutheran again on Oct. 21 in Decatur.

In JV action, Uni fell to Decatur Lutheran in three close games: 27-25, 20-25, 14-16. The JV record is 1-6 overall, 1-3 ECIC.

The team's next match is at home and will take place Tuesday, when the girls will face conference opponent Judah Christian.

UNI VS. DECATUR LUTHERAN AT A GLANCE

Varsity outcome: Loss (19-25, 18-25)

Varsity record: 10-7 overall, 4-1 East Central Illinois Conference

• Kills
  — Rachel Skoza 5
  — Jessi Sullivan 5
  — Tuli Bera 3

• Assists
  — Michelle Wong 8
  — Sheri Grill 7

• Digs
  — Jessi Sullivan 8
  — Michelle Wong 6
  — Annie Machesky 5
  — Tuli Bera 5

• Service aces
  — Michelle Wong 3

JV outcome: Loss (27-25, 20-25, 14-16)

JV record: 1-6 overall, 1-3 ECIC

Next match: Home conference match against Judah Christian, Tuesday, Sept. 30.

For complete schedule and results, visit the OG Scoreboard.