Check out the FloVolleyball NCAA Countdown, where we rank the top 20 collegiate women's volleyball teams in the country leading up to opening day on August 26. The No. 17 spot goes to Illinois this year, and here's why:

The Upshot

The Fighting Illini lost a lot of close matches last season. They plan to reverse that trend in 2016.

Last Season

• 21-13 overall, 10-10 in Big Ten (tied for 7th place)
• 2-1 in NCAA Tournament (lost 3-0 vs. Minnesota @ Des Moines)
• No. 23 in final 2015 RPI
• Team Hitting Percentage: .231 (#87 in nation)
• Opponents' Hitting Percentage: .181 (#66 in nation)
• Team blocks per set: 2.88 (#14)

The Players

RETURNING STARS

Michelle Strizak | 6-1 | Senior | Outside Hitter
3.00 kills/set (.230); 0.38 blocks/set

Katie Stadick | 6-3 | Senior | Middle Blocker
2.51 kills/set (.305); 1.20 blocks/set

Naya Crittendon | 6-2 | Senior | Opposite
1.82 kills/set (.206); 0.94 blocks/set

Ali Bastianelli | 6-3 | Sophomore | Middle Blocker
1.08 kills/set (.230); 1.39 blocks/set (#21 in nation)

Jordyn Poulter | 6-2 | Sophomore | Setter
10.46 assists/set

PROMISING NEWCOMERS

Blayke Hranicka | 6-0 | Sophomore | Middle Blocker
Transferred from NC State; 2.51 kills/set (.356); 1.17 blocks/set

Jacqueline Quade | 6-2 | Freshman | Outside Hitter

Kaylin Korte | 6-2 | Freshman | Outside Hitter

BIGGEST LOSSES

Jocelynn Birks | 6-2 | Outside Hitter
3.95 kills/set (.207); 0.52 blocks/set

Non-Conference Matches to Watch

September 2 vs. Stanford @ Colorado
September 9 @ Oregon

Outlook

Coach Kevin Hambly (eighth season) had a team of terrific blockers last season, and he expects them to be even better this fall. Sophomore middle Ali Bastianelli, who had plenty of roofs as a freshman, had successful shoulder surgery in the offseason and should team with fellow middle Katie Stadick to clog opponents' hitting lanes. Good blocking, however, often comes from good serving, and area that Hambly plans to work on in the weeks ahead. "We don't miss much," he said of his servers, "but we could be a lot more aggressive." Hambly spoke highly of sophomore Blayke Hranicka, a transfer from NC State who put up big blocking numbers of her own. A large group of incoming freshmen includes plenty of Under Armour All-Americans, highlighted by 6-2 OH Jacqueline Quade. But Illini success might ultimately come down to leadership--Hambly said last year's team had a tough time closing out tight matches, often "failing to compete for each other." He'll call on his seniors--and sophomore setter Jordyn Poulter--to make sure Illinois makes every point count.

Prediction

In the nation's toughest conference, Illinois will be in the hunt for a spot behind the top tier of Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin. An early non-conference match against Stanford could help determine if the Illini can beat the likes of Penn State and Ohio State down the stretch.

Previously:
20. Louisville
19. UNC
18. BYU

Additional research and reporting contributed by Leslie Hamann.