The IU volleyball team ended its Illinois road trip with its second loss in as many days, falling to Northwestern in five sets.
The Wildcats (11-7, 2-4) outlasted the Hoosiers (13-7, 2-4) by scores of 17-25, 25-20, 25-20, 16-25 and 15-13.
The Wildcats looked to have the early edge in the match's initial contest, winning the first five points. However, Benson and Haverly powered the Hoosiers' net game with two consecutive blocks, and IU took advantage of Northwestern errors to even the score at 7-7. The Hoosiers did not look back, cruising to a 25-17 victory in set one.
The second frame remained close with IU in control until Northwestern junior middle blocker Sabel Moffett accounted for four straight points to give the Wildcats a 14-13 lead. Northwestern capitalized on two consecutive errors by Benson and two more Moffett kills to open a four-point advantage. The Wildcats held onto that lead and won 25-20.
Northwestern took late control of what had been a tight third set by winning three straight points from 16-16. The Wildcats held on and claimed the set 25-20.
The Hoosiers responded in the fourth, winning eight straight points from a 10-13 deficit with Benson posting three service aces in four points. That run propelled IU to a 25-16 victory and forced a decisive fifth frame.
An 8-4 Hoosier lead early in the final set prompted a Northwestern timeout. The Wildcats responded positively and took the lead 11-10, forcing IU to burn a timeout of its own. Kills by junior middle blocker Taylor Wittmer and Haverly, along with an ace by freshman defensive specialist Laura Matula, tied the score at 13-13.
However, Moffett accounted for the next two points and Northwestern sealed the victory, 15-13.
IU's next match will kick off the annual Hoosier Hysteria. The Hoosiers battle Iowa (10-8, 2-4) at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Assembly Hall.
