IU drops game with UT-Martin in 5th set

The IU volleyball team dropped its first match of the weekend’s adidas Classic, falling to Tennessee-Martin in five sets.

The Hoosiers (3-1) claimed the first two sets before the Skyhawks (4-1) took the final three. IU lost by scores of 25-14, 25-23, 19-25, 23-25 and 12-15.

IU played with mostly younger players as senior outside hitter Kelsey Hall did not play and junior middle blocker Ashley Benson was held from action until late in the fourth set.

However, that wasn’t why the Hoosiers lost, coach Sherry Dunbar said.

“We didn’t learn as the match went along, and UT-Martin did,” Dunbar said. “We never figured out the game, like how to play the game against them.”

The team posted a .297 attack percentage with 62 kills but 19 errors. Hitters Whitney Thomas and Jordan Haverly led the team in individual kills with 14 and 13, respectively.

The Skyhawks posted a collective percentage of .226. Britany Wilburn led the way with 15 kills.

IU plays its second match of the tournament at 7 p.m. against no. 18 Kentucky.

Dunbar hopes for a much better performance against the Wildcats.

“I hope we come back tonight and play much better Indiana volleyball for our fans and protect our home court,” Dunbar said.