After a tough non-conference schedule, Indiana launches into Big Ten conference play against two new additions to the Big Ten. First, the Hoosiers play Washington on Friday and then Oregon on Saturday.
This will be the only time Indiana travels to the west coast, as the other two new additions to the Big Ten, UCLA and USC, both travel to Wilkinson Hall on Nov. 10 and Nov. 22.
Indiana aims to hand Washington its first loss of the season as the Huskies have been dominant in non-conference play, boasting a 10-0 record. A season ago they finished 16-15. Despite Washington’s strong start this season, it hasn’t cracked the top 25, but received 94 votes. Friday marks the second time the programs will face off, as the Huskies swept the Hoosiers in their first meeting last year.
Washington’s defense has thrived in non-conference play, making it difficult for opponents to get the ball to land on their side of the court with 14.4 digs per set. In their last match against Pepperdine University on Sep. 20, the Huskies recorded 70 digs as a team. Senior libero Lauren Bays leads the team with 132 digs, averaging 3.3 digs per set.
The Huskies are strong at the net, averaging 2.8 blocks per set and tallying 37 blocks over their last three matches. Standout freshman middle blocker Julia Hunt leads Washington with 53 blocks.
Indiana's second match on its short west coast trip is against Oregon, marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Ducks had a strong 2023 season, finishing 29-6 and reaching the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Along the way, they swept Purdue in the Sweet 16 before losing to Wisconsin.
Oregon, currently ranked No. 11, excelled in non-conference play with an 8-1 record. Its only loss came in the season opener against No. 1 University of Pittsburgh but it’s since bounced back, including a win over No. 17 Brigham Young University.
Oregon’s dominant run last season was powered by five players named to the All-Pac-12 team. Junior outside hitter Mimi Colyer is the lone returner from that group and is having a standout season, leading the Ducks offensively with 109 kills and 10 service aces. Defensively, she’s a key contributor with 70 digs and 22 blocks.
Oregon’s strength as a team is at the net on the defensive end, where it’s totaled 99.5 blocks this season. Senior middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu leads the team with 44 blocks, including 13 last week and a season-high eight against Oregon State University. Her performance earned her Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The Hoosiers’ match against Washington is at 10 p.m. EST Friday and can be viewed on Big Ten+. The match against Oregon is at 8:30 p.m. EST Saturday and was flexed to the Big Ten Network.
Follow reporter Parker Rodgers (@parrod153) for updates throughout the Indiana volleyball season.
