Jeff Huth's review and preview of all things Illinois

From the valleys to the mountaintops and back again. That's the story of Illinois athletics throughout the first decade of a new century. The football team peaked twice, only to fall back. Bruce Weber's cagers hit 37-2 and, three years later, accepted 16-19. Theresa Grentz offered hope that fizzled. The men's tennis team peaked as national champion, then fell back to respected contender.

Following are, for me personally, the 10 most memorable and significant events of the "naughty aughties" or, better yet, the Internet Age. You'll agree on some. Others, you won't.

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ volleyball team, which bowed out of the NCAA tournament against Hawaii, was ranked 10th in the final AVCA poll.
The Illini, who finished 26-6, were second in the Big Ten to national champion Penn State and reached the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.

Nittany Lions playing for another title

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois junior outside hitter Laura DeBruler was named a first-team All-American on Wednesday.
It was the second consecutive All-America honor for DeBruler, who received second-team honors a year ago.

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Eyebrows were raised when third-ranked Hawaii was seeded no higher than 12th in the NCAA volleyball tournament.

No. 8 and fifth-seeded Illinois learned first- hand Friday night why the Rainbow Wahine surely deserved more respect from the NCAA tournament committee.

Hawaii ousts Illinois in four sets

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois junior outside hitter Laura DeBruler was selected first-team All-Mideast Region by coaches.
This was DeBruler’s second consecutive All-Region accolade.