Team splits weekend of 5-set games

In a weekend of five-set affairs, the IU volleyball team experienced each possible end result, splitting its two away matches in Michigan.

The Hoosiers (15-15, 4-12) snapped a seven-match losing streak by beating Michigan State (17-11, 5-11) in five sets Friday and lost to No. 14 Michigan (22-7, 10-6) in an equally lengthy contest Saturday.

IU began its road trip with a much-needed victory in East Lansing. Three Hoosiers recorded double-doubles in the win by scores of 23-25, 25-21, 21-25, 29-27 and 15-12.

“It was a big confidence booster,” junior middle blocker Ashley Benson said. “It shows that we can still do it. We just have to have the right mindset and be sure that we stay in it and play hard.”

Facing a Spartan match point at 27-26 in the fourth set, the Hoosiers rallied to win the frame and force a decisive contest.

IU won five straight points from an 8-7 deficit to seal the match and end both their losing streak and fifth-set funk.

“It meant a lot to come back and fight as a team like we did,” said sophomore setter Mary Chaudoin, who totaled 62 assists, 12 total blocks and four kills on the weekend.

The following night, the Hoosiers traveled to Ann Arbor and nearly earned another five-set victory before falling to the No. 14 team in the nation.

The Wolverines won the first two sets 25-23 and 25-14, prompting Benson to spark her teammates.

“I told everyone (I wasn’t) leaving this place without going to a fifth game,” Benson said.

Her teammates responded.

Trailing 18-15 in the third set, IU won six straight points, courtesy of three consecutive service aces by sophomore libero Caitlin Cox. The Hoosiers stayed alive, winning 25-23.

The Wolverines, however, held on to claim the win.

The Hoosiers welcome No. 1 Penn State and Ohio State to Bloomington for their final home stand of the season this weekend.

“We’ve just got to come out with that same fight,” Benson said. “If we keep playing like we have been ... we can come out with a win.”