Hoosiers win opening game

The women's volleyball team played its season-opening game Friday against the University of Maryland and recorded the ninth season-opening win for coach Katie Weismiller. \nIU defeated the Terrapins with a standout performance by sophomore Katie Pollom. The game was Pollom's first since red-shirting last season. Pollom attacked Maryland with 11 kills.\n"We were a little nervous at first ... after we settled, we gained confidence and pulled ahead. It felt good to start off the season this way," Pollom said. \nIU ended the night content.\n"We went into this game not knowing about the other team, but knowing about ourselves," Weismiller said.\nThe next day caused a few problems for the Hoosiers, who lost the next two games of the tournament. IU faced Bowling Green State University, who finished first, and the University of Tennessee, who placed second. \nIU's second game of the tournament gave Bowling Green an early lead, but IU didn't give in. Indiana quickly fought back and brought the match score to a 2-2 game tie going into the fifth. Bowling Green beat the Hoosiers 15-11 in the final game. \nThe final match of the tournament put IU against Tennessee, which defeated the Hoosiers in three games. Tennessee senior Ariana Wilson recorded 12 kills and nine blocks against IU. \nThe Hoosiers stayed positive and looked to the future. \n"This affects our goals, but it was also a learning experience for everyone. I think there were a lot of expectations going into this tournament, but you've got to take what you are given," said junior Hillary Toivonen. \nIU finished third in the tournament, remaining confident.\n"There are a lot of positives to today, Monique (Pritz) earlier had a great offensive game, (Katie) Pollom last night, (Christina) Archibald had a great offensive game last night, tonight (Melissa) Brewer had a great game, and what we have to do is put it all together … If we can get everything together we're going to be OK. We've just got to move on, and I have confidence the team will do that," Weismiller said. \nSophomore Melissa Brewer was named a member of the All-Tournament Team. Caty Rommeck of Bowling Green was named MVP. Brewer had 41 kills and nine blocks in three matches. While Brewer enjoyed being named to the All Touranment Team, she would have been happier with more victories.\n"It's kind of bittersweet. It's a team thing. Maybe I did have a good weekend, but it doesn't matter because it's all about the team," she said. "It's the beginning of the season; everyone is new at this…. We need to get back in the gym and fix the little things"