The IU volleyball team began its Big Ten season with a loss to No. 8 Michigan in straight sets.
The Wolverines (13-1, 1-0) beat the Hoosiers (11-4, 0-1) by scores of 25-17, 25-16 and 25-23.
Michigan's hitting and serving proved too much for IU, attacking at a .295 clip and registering five service aces.
Michigan sophomore middle blocker Courtney Fletcher led the way for the Wolverines with 11 kills at a .625 clip, two service aces, 10 digs and two block assists. Sophomore right-side hitter Alex Hunt also had a big night with 10 kills and a service ace.
On the Hoosiers' side of the court, junior middle blocker Ashley Benson and freshman outside hitter Jordan Haverly led on offense with 12 and 10 kills, respectively.
IU was able to stay with Michigan in the third set and led 19-17 before the Wolverines surged to match point. The Hoosiers rallied to 23-24 before Michigan closed the match.
Haverly sparked the team in the third frame, recording six of her kills as well as a service ace.
Freshman right-side hitter Kelci Marschall also had a fine third set, tallying three of her five kills in the match's final contest.
However, Marschall said she was more focused on the big picture.
"Honestly, I kind of don't even pay attention to it, I'm just more about wanting the team to win," Marschall said of her individual performance. "If the team wins, then it's good. If the team doesn't win, it really doesn't matter."
The Hoosiers return to action at 7 p.m. Saturday against No. 16 Michigan State. The Spartans (12-1, 0-1) dropped their Big Ten opener against Purdue.
