Rachel VanMeter is a first year outside hitter.

Jessica Belter is at a new position, right side hitter.

Melissa Vandrey is experiencing another injury-filled year.

And all of it doesn't matter.

The trio of Illinois outside hitters have given Illinois head coach Don Hardin the outside presence to defeat top teams, despite the problems each has had to overcome.

"We won the match (against then No. 11 Penn State) because we won the battle on the outside and we have always struggled with that," Hardin said. "We've always had our middles, always athletic, always a threat.

"But when teams serve us aggressively and we can't win the battle on the outside it is hard to get over the top. I think this is the first year we have that aggressiveness from both our outside hitters."

That aggressiveness has helped propel the Illini into second place in the Big Ten, one game behind conference leader Penn State. The Nittany Lions are 5-1 in conference while Illinois is 4-2.

All three outside hitters are playing at a level that they have not attained at Illinois.

VanMeter, in her last three matches, has twice set a career high in kills. At Minnesota on Oct. 4 she had a momentary career high of 18 kills. Friday against Penn State VanMeter set a new career high with 23 kills.

VanMeter, just one month ago, was struggling. Last year VanMeter, a sophomore, played middle blocker. Learning and adjusting to playing on the outside was hindered by a sprained ankle at the end of September that turned her entire foot into a purple blob.

With the injury behind her, VanMeter credits spending extra time after practice working with junior setter Erin Virtue as the reason for her turnaround.

"I'm on an upward hill right now and hope to stay that way," VanMeter said. "I'm feeling I am getting comfortable out there and learning the tricks of the trade."

Belter moved this season to right side hitter after spending last season as a left side hitter.

In the last few weeks Belter, a junior, has found herself at home on the right side, gaining confidence with every game. She averages 2.22 kills, 2.36 digs and 0.81 blocks a game.

"For me personally, making this transition has instilled confidence in my play," Belter said. "Coming in as a freshman not even starting and here I am playing all the way around (the rotation) on the right side."

Her teammates are glad Belter has found her confidence since they lean on Belter defensively.

"We rely on her to have her timing down and she mainly has to be one of our best blockers because most teams have awesome outside hitters," Vandrey said.

Vandrey, a senior, has had to battle against injuries as well as opposing teams. In her freshman year a knee injury ended Vandrey's season after seven matches. This year Vandrey has already spent one week in a walking boot to prevent stress fractures.

Despite her array of injuries, Vandrey, who averages 3.13 kills, has shown dedication that her teammates want to emulate.

"She brings determination, fight and a lot of strength," Belter said. "Every time I am in the weight room I try to bench as much as her because that is where I want to be."

The trio has been able to help each other overcome any problem and have become closer because of it.

"It's been an emotional struggle for all three of us," Belter said. "It just brings us all together because as a whole team we learn to become a tighter knit group, which has helped us during competition.

"There is no limit to us. We are going to keep working hard and try to do the best we can."