If there was ever a time to hold back the mental anguish and physical pain built up throughout the fall season, it is now.

The Illinois volleyball team will go on the road to face perennial powers Ohio State and Penn State. The women are also jockeying for a top position in the Big Ten standings.

Minnesota is on top with a Big Ten record of 9-2 and an overall record of 16-7. Directly underneath them is a tie between the Illini and Wisconsin who both stand at 8-2 in conference. Penn State is right behind with a record of 7-3.

The last time Illinois had matches against Ohio State and Penn State they came away with two wins at Huff Hall. Even while riding a six-game winning streak that saw the demise of three ranked teams, the Illini still have something to prove.

"We're still hungry; even more than last time," junior Erin Virtue said. "We still have something to prove; these are the best teams in the Big Ten and if we beat them, we are saying that we beat you and it wasn't just luck. We need these wins to solidify a spot in first place."

This weekend is big in terms of the Big Ten standings. After this weekend the Illini have six of their last eight games in the friendly confines of Huff Hall. Getting two wins this weekend would further distance themselves from a talented Penn State team.

"This is a gigantic weekend," Illinois head coach Don Hardin said. "To come back from a weekend like this with wins would keep us in the hunt, keep us in the direction of our goals. If we don't do that, we're not out of it, but it sure makes it tougher."

Both Ohio State and Penn State have the star power that Illinois has seen first hand — and learned to win against. Penn State has All-American Cara Smith and Ohio State has 2002 Big Ten Player of the Year Stacey Gordon. Both players put up big numbers in losses to Illinois earlier.

If Illinois can leave this weekend in good shape in the Big Ten their favorable Huff Hall-heavy schedule will become a huge factor.

"It's definitely great to have home court in the end," junior Jessica Belter said. "Just when the season starts getting towards the end, when players are worn out, we get to come home to our crowd and our friends' and everyone's support."

Hardin agrees that playing at home at the end of the year is an advantage when faced with the Illini's position.

"The academic period gets harder at the end. There are exams and it becomes a heavy study period," Hardin said. "It's easier sleeping in their own beds, and there is less anxiety from school. Also, the extra rest is a factor; and Huff is tough on opponents. It is known as one of the tougher places to play. It's really loud with 1,500 people in there. If we can get 3,000 to 4,000 people, it's unbelievable in there."

This weekend is important for the Illini, but the team is confident and playing hot. The next home game will be against first place Minnesota on Nov. 17.