EVANSTON, (Ill.) — Illinois senior middle blocker Lisa Argabright let a ball drop at her feet in the second game against Northwestern Wednesday.

Argabright was tired of her mindset that let the Wildcats win the first game. Argabright turned after letting the ball fall with a look of determination, and a new attitude. It showed immediately with a kill and a block during a five point Illinois run that gave the Illini the momentum for good.

Illinois (10-1, 1-0), sparked by an attitude change, defeated Northwestern (9-4, 0-1) in four games at Evanston (16-30, 30-21, 30-15, 30-27). Illinois' nine-game winning streak is the longest in the Don Hardin era. They last won nine consecutive games in 1995.

"It was a change of focus," Argabright said. "I told myself it was not going to happen again. I talked to (Erin) Virtue throughout the game and at that point I told her I wanted the ball. I had complete focus."

The defeat over the Wildcats marks the first time Illinois has opened the Big Ten season undefeated since 1999.

"All road wins in the Big Ten conference are tough," Illinois head coach Don Hardin said. "Lots of teams are going to come into Welsh-Ryan Arena without getting that win."

Northwestern's serve, recording six first game aces, paced the Wildcats dominant offensive attack in the first game. In the final three games, Illinois' defensive controlled the match. The Illini passed Northwestern's serves perfectly to set up kills. They blocked the Northwestern offensive attack. Any ball that got past the block was dug out.

"Passing was the reason for the turnaround," Hardin said.

Illinois totaled 13 blocks for the match. Argabright recorded five total blocks while sophomore outside hitter Rachel VanMeter had four total blocks.

"We focused on blocking in practice this week," VanMeter said. "It is one of our strong points. We try to key on it every game."

The Illinois block, specifically VanMeter, took Northwestern All-American candidate, senior middle blocker Erin Lange, out of her rhythm. Lange, who has been named National Player of the Week already this year, sat on the bench in the final game after an inconsistent performance. Lange hit .267 and recorded only eight kills.

"Our left side block was the best blocking I've ever seen from an Illinois team," Hardin said. "Rachel took Lange out of the match and maybe for a while. It's not the first time Rachel has done that. She probably ruined (Lange) for a week in practice."

As Illinois' confidence grew with each point, it felt like the Illini were back in Huff Hall. The 55 members of the Spike Squad, the Illini student cheering section, made the trip to Evanston and screamed for the Illini from the opening point until they walked out of the arena.

"They are just amazing," Argabright said. "I love them for their dedication. They will be on the bus six hours for a two hour volleyball game."

Offensively, VanMeter, who had 14 kills, led Illinois. Argabright hit .409 and added 12 kills.

Illinois sees this victory on the road, at an in-state rival's arena, as the beginning of a successful Big Ten season.

"This is a huge win," VanMeter said. "This match is going to lead to a big season."