Senior Rachel Skoza shows why she holds the school records for career and season kills. Gargoyle photo by David Porreca (click to enlarge)

URBANA — In their last home contest of the season, the Illineks celebrated Senior Night by defeating conference opponent DeLand-Weldon in three games and tying the school record for season wins.

The victory raised Uni's record to 20-7 overall and 9-1 in the East Central Illinois Conference.

With the exception of the match's second game, Uni overpowered the visiting Eagles as the team's seniors shined: 25-12, 18-25, 25-14.

Jasmine Alvarado, Sheri Grill, Annie Machesky, Rachel Skoza, and Jessi Sullivan were honored during a ceremony before playing their final match at Kenney Gym. Each of them had excellent performances.

Alvarado recorded two kills for the night. Grill racked up the assists with 14. Machesky recorded a team-high four aces, and contributed five digs to her school record for career digs.

Skoza, meanwhile, led the team with 16 kills, also recording three aces and one block; she holds the Uni career records for both kills and blocks. Sullivan had a solid match with six kills and three digs.

Few observers would have thought that this year's team could be so successful in the win-loss column. The end of last season brought with it the departure of six influential seniors who led the record-setting 2007 squad to 20 wins.

But the Class of 2009 stepped up and is poised to set a new school mark for victories.

At this point last year, right after defeating DeLand-Weldon for a second time in conference play, the Illineks were 19-9 overall and 8-2 in the ECIC.

What remains this season are two away matches: Oct. 21 against ECIC leader Decatur Lutheran and Oct. 24 against crosstown rival Judah Christian.

Looking ahead to Class 2A postseason action, Uni is seeded No. 3 in the five-team St. Joseph-Ogden regional.

The Illineks will open the playoffs at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 against No. 2 St. Thomas More. All matches in the regional will be played at SJO. If the girls defeat STM, they would play for the regional championship at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1.

Jasmine Alvarado receives flowers on Senior Night. Photos by David Porreca (click to enlarge)

Sheri Grill is flanked by her parents, Uni graduate Kathy Grill and Dave Grill. (click to enlarge)

Annie Machesky is introduced with her parents, Mike Machesky and Sue Barta. (click to enlarge)

Rachel Skoza receives flowers; behind her is Claire Johnson, a 2008 Uni graduate and member of the 2007 team whose school record of 20 wins was tied Tuesday night. (click to enlarge)

Jessi Sullivan is escorted by her parents, Kenwood and Lori Sullivan. (click to enlarge)

A wide view of seniors and their families. (click to enlarge)

Rachel Skoza is flanked by her parents, Jean and Tom Skoza, while Sue Barta and Mike Machesky flank daughter Annie Machesky. (click to enlarge)

Uni boys were in full regalia to support the senior girls. (click to enlarge)

A human pyramid highlighted the fan support. (click to enlarge)

Machesky gets ready to serve to DeLand-Weldon. (click to enlarge)

Sullivan keeps the ball in play. (click to enlarge)

Grill delivers a hit to the visiting Eagles. (click to enlarge)

Skoza stays focused while Alvarado looks on. (click to enlarge)

Skoza warms up as signs for the five seniors hang in the background. (click to enlarge)

UNI vs. DeLand-Weldon at a glance

Varsity outcome: Win (25-12, 18-25, 25-14)

Varsity record: 20-7 overall, 9-1 East Central Illinois Conference

• Kills
  — Rachel Skoza 16
  — Rachel Harmon 6
  — Jessi Sullivan 6
  — Tuli Bera 3
  — Jasmine Alvarado 2

• Blocks
  — Rachel Harmon 2
  — Rachel Skoza 1

• Assists
  — Michelle Wong 17
  — Sheri Grill 14

• Digs
  — Michelle Wong 11
  — Annie Machesky 5
  — Jessi Sullivan 3

• Service aces
  — Annie Machesky 4
  — Rachel Skoza 3
  — Tuli Bera 2
  — Michelle Wong 1

JV outcome: Uni beat Deland Weldon (26-28, 25-18, 16-14)

JV record: 4-7 overall, 4-4 ECIC

Next match: Away match against conference leader Decatur Lutheran on Tuesday, Oct. 21

For complete schedule and results, visit the OG Scoreboard.