Volleyball welcomes Northwestern for rematch

After losing to Purdue in three sets, the IU volleyball team returns to Bloomington to play No. 24 Northwestern on Saturday.

IU volleyball (19-8, 7-8) lost in four sets in its last match against the Wildcats in September.

Last time, the Hoosiers came out strong, winning the first set, 25-21, but Northwestern recovered and won the next three sets.

The Wildcats were led by senior middle blocker Naomi Johnson, who recorded 18 kills
in the match.

The Hoosiers have gone 7-6 since the last meeting.

Four Northwestern players have more than 200 kills. Graduate student middle blocker Sabel Moffett leads the team with 280.

Northwestern senior setter Elyse Glab is second in the Big Ten with 11.24 assists per set.

The Wildcats are coming off a tough loss at home to Wisconsin in five sets.

IU coach Sherry Dunbar talked about keeping the players into the match.
“It’s about us generating that energy and intensity to stay focused on our game plan,” Dunbar said.

Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Haverly and senior middle blocker Ashley Benson led the team with 15 kills each against Northwestern, and sophomore right-side hitter Kelci Marscahll had one less with 14.

The Hoosiers have been playing well at home, sporting a 9-1 record at University Gym, and they look to continue that performance against the Wildcats.

“Getting a good start and an aggressive mentality will help,” Dunbar said.