The Illinois volleyball team has been in first place for a whole week but it doesn't do that much for them.

The team is not focusing on their early season success; they are trying to use it as a springboard to maintain their position in the upper echelon of the Big Ten.

Illinois (15-3, 6-2) looks to stay in front of the conference while hosting Purdue (12-6, 5-3) on Friday and Indiana (9-10, 2-6) on Saturday in Huff Hall. Both games are at 7 p.m.

"We just talked a lot about keeping it game by game, focusing one game at at a time," Illinois freshman defensive specialist Beth Vrdsky said. "It's nice to be tied for first. It doesn't mean anything. We've got a whole half of the season left."

The team's narrow focus has caught the attention of Illinois head coach Don Hardin.

"I quizzed them a little bit on their goals and concentrating and where they want to be with things and none of them seemed to be focused on anything but the next match," Hardin said.

Illinois is in a good weekend to be focusing one match at a time. Purdue and Indiana have proven they can beat anyone in the conference this year. Both have beat No. 25 Minnesota, who is tied for first in the conference, and Purdue also defeated No. 22 Michigan State.

"They can be as good as any team in conference on a given night," Hardin said of both teams. "So we don't take them lightly whatsoever."

Purdue's serving has been a key to their success this season. The Boilermakers are third in the Big Ten in service aces (1.62 per game).

"I think we have been working a lot on our passing," Vrdsky said. "We are confident. We know Purdue is a good team but if we keep doing our thing and focusing on what we need to do (we will be fine)"

Purdue has as many offense weapons as the Illini do. Illinois has three players with three or more kills a game. Purdue has four.

Purdue is led by junior middle blocker Kim McConaha, who does it all for the Boilermakers. She averages 3.92 kills, 1.38 blocks and 2.20 digs a match.

Purdue has found success this year with first year head coach Dave Shondell. He has coached club and high school volleyball for the past 22 years. His success from the lower levels (four state titles) has followed him to Purdue.

"I think they are motivated, plus they are healthy right now," Hardin said. "I think they started strong. So getting a strong start has been very important to their success. They haven't had that in a lot of years."

Indiana, in the midst of a six match losing streak, centers their offense around junior outside hitter Christina Archibald (4.33 kills and 2.11 digs).

"She is an awesome, awesome hitter just like (Ohio State's) Stacey Gordon is," Illinois sophomore outside hitter Rachel VanMeter said. "She is obviously their driving force and is their go to player. She is amazing."