IU gains two wins after early loss at tournament

The Hoosiers (11-3) claimed two victories in three matches in their home tournament, falling to Western Michigan in four sets Friday and beating Alabama A&M and North Carolina A&T in straight sets Saturday.

“We’re trying to get them better mentally focused, the intensity, the energy better,” IU coach Sherry Dunbar said of her players. “I felt like at times we were really good in that department.”

IU began its final tournament before Big Ten play Friday against 2008 Sweet Sixteen participant Western Michigan, dropping the match by scores of 22-25, 24-26, 25-19 and 23-25.

“It was a little bit frustrating,” Dunbar said of the loss. “I felt like it was a struggle all night. We never really got into a rhythm.”

The Hoosiers responded the following morning with a sweep of Alabama A&M, 25-10, 25-16 and 25-20.

IU’s hitting attack proved too much for the Bulldogs, who committed 19 hitting errors compared to the Hoosiers’ 13.

Reserves saw significant action for the Hoosiers as freshman outside hitter Shawn Hindman and freshman middle blocker Samantha Thrower each recorded four kills.
Thrower also accounted for four total blocks.

IU returned Saturday evening and recorded another straight-set victory against North Carolina A&T, 25-10, 25-17 and 25-18.

Sophomore outside hitter Jessica Weeg made her biggest contribution of the season thus far with four kills and a block assist, and freshman setter Whitney Granado recorded a career-high 31 assists.

“It was good to get back in the swing of things again,” said Granado, who had missed time due to an injury.

The Hoosiers open Big Ten play Friday against No. 6 Michigan.