Hoosiers continue to slip in Big Ten play

The IU volleyball team suffered another disappointing loss Friday, falling to No. 12 Minnesota in straight sets for the second time this season.

All-American middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer and the Golden Gophers (18-7, 9-4) made quick work of the Hoosiers (14-14, 3-11), winning by scores of 25-15, 25-13 and 25-15 in just over an hour.

Minnesota previously swept IU in Bloomington on Oct. 4, winning 25-20, 25-19 and 26-24.

Senior outside hitter Kelsey Hall shined in a losing effort, earning eight kills, five in the first set.

However, IU could not stop Gibbemeyer, who led Minnesota in both kills and block assists with 12 and four, respectively.

The Golden Gophers’ junior star dominated the match from the start of set one. She recorded two quick kills and a block assist to put IU in a 6-2 hole.

Despite five kills by Hall in the frame, the Hoosiers had no answer for Minnesota’s efficient hitting and lost the opening set by 10 points.

IU responded early in the second set, winning four straight points thanks to two aces by freshman defensive specialist Laura Matula to jump to an 8-4 lead.

However, the Golden Gophers surged back following a timeout and controlled the rest of the way, allowing the Hoosiers no points until owning a 21-13 lead.

Minnesota then won four straight points to close the set.

The story remained the same in the third frame.

The Golden Gophers opened an 8-3 advantage on Gibbemeyer’s net offense as well as her serving prowess as she posted an ace.

Once again, Minnesota proved too much for IU to handle, claiming the set 25-15 and sealing the straight-set victory.

The Hoosiers hit the road again this weekend with matches at Michigan State on Friday and No. 15 Michigan on Saturday.