DECATUR, IL. (WAND-TV) -- Playoffs for high school volleyball began Monday night as local area schools from central Illinois took part in the …

DECATUR, IL. (WAND-TV) -- After taking down St. Francis in an exhibition game 101-34 Saturday night, Head Coach Brad Underwood spoke to media about his thoughts on the team's performance, among other topics.

Included in those various topics were his thoughts on how the team's newcomers played, plus, how the effort seen by senior guard Trent Frazier during the game and earlier practices is impacting the team daily. 

CHAMPAIGN, IL. (WAND-TV) -- In front of fans once again after having an empty State Farm Center last year due to COVID-19, the Illini men's basketball team returned to action in an exhibition matchup as the No. 11 Illini hosted St. Francis. 

For both newcomers and veterans on the team, the chance to play in front of fans again was a boost of energy in a loud home environment as fans were able to see what this new Illini team was made of. 

DECATUR, IL. (WAND-TV) -- After having played two different regular seasons this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a chance to compete for a state title has finally arrived again.

Brackets for the 2021 IHSA Playoffs were released tonight showing pairings for all teams that made this years postseason. 

STATE COLLEGE, PA. (WAND-TV) -- It may have taken nine overtimes to do so, but Illinois (3-5) took down No. 7 Penn State (5-2) 20-18 Saturday afternoon setting numerous records in the process. 

The obvious record broken Saturday was that this college football game went into nine different overtime sessions, becoming the most ever in a FBS game. However, Chase Brown also made headlines as he becomes the third Illini running back to total two different 200-plus yard rushing games.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND-TV) -- The Original Friday Frenzy returns for week nine of the high school football season in 2021. The WAND Sports team traveled across central Illinois to bring you the latest in high school football and Illini sports.

(WAND) -- There were some excellent matchups in high school volleyball across central Illinois tonight.

WAND Sports went to three games. Here are their scores and highlights.

SPRINGFIELD, IL. (WAND-TV) -- Having a brother or sister on a high school sports team isn't uncommon. Try having a sister and a cousin though all in the starting lineup. 

That's the case for the Springfield High volleyball team and Head Coach Bill Sturm. 

DECATUR, IL. (WAND-TV) -- Illini Expert Mark Tupper joins WAND Sports Anchor Evan Abramson for another edition of Tupper's Take. 

In this edition of Tupper's Take, Mark Tupper breaks down the AP Top-25 Preseason Poll in which the Illini came in at No. 11. However, the Illini were not the only Big Ten team to be featured in the top-25 as two other Big Ten teams found themselves ranked inside the top-15 of the list.

CHAMPAIGN, IL. (WAND-TV) -- After failing to put up a single point in a 24-0 nothing loss nine days ago to Wisconsin, the Illini (2-5, 1-3) returned to work during a bye week.

Now, after spending some time resting and practicing, they're turning their efforts to No. 7 Penn State (5-1, 2-1) as they'll travel to take on the Nittany Lions on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.