Undefeated IU volleyball preps for Purdue

Redemption may be part of the theme for IU volleyball this year.

The Hoosiers lost last year’s home match against Purdue, and now IU looks to redeem itself  at 7 p.m. today at University Gym in its first Big Ten game this season.

IU has opened the season undefeated with 12 consecutive non-conference wins, but the Big Ten will likely provide tougher competition. In the most recent national top 25 coaches’ poll, four Big Ten teams were ranked and four others received votes for
the poll.

For Wednesday, it’s a showdown between conference rivals with the game airing live on the Big Ten Network.

“I’m really excited. The atmosphere I’ll be playing in will be amazing,” freshman defensive specialist Caitlin Hansen said.

IU coach Sherry Dunbar discussed the nature of the rivalry game.

“When we play Purdue, it’s that typical rival match, a dog fight, and the energy is really high,” Dunbar said. “The game will have the most grit to it because we are playing for our schools.”

For IU to maintain its undefeated record, it will have to get past a 9-2 Purdue team that has wins against Louisville and Pittsburgh this season.

The two Boilermakers the Hoosiers will need to focus on are sophomore outside hitter Ariel Turner and junior middle blocker Tiffany Fisher. Currently, Turner tops the conference in kills with 166 this season.

Purdue is fourth in the Big Ten with 566 digs this season.

“We just have to come out and find that identity of our team,” Dunbar said.

For the Hoosiers, senior middle blocker Ashley Benson leads the conference with a .517 hitting percentage.

Defensively, the Hoosiers are second in the conference in opposition hitting percentage, allowing a .101 hitting percentage.

“Defense is the first ball contact because we decide every point since we get the first ball,” Hansen said.

Along with freshman defensive specialist Melanie Hicks, the freshmen composure has been key in the defensive end.

“I think Caitlin and Melanie have done a fantastic job,” Dunbar said. “I’ve heard people say that they don’t act like freshman on the court.”

With sophomore defensive specialist Laura Matula out for the game with back problems, the two freshmen will be the focus of stopping the Boilermakers’ attack.

“I think the biggest thing for us is to stay composed and believe in each other,” Hansen said.