IU volleyball coach Sherry Dunbar said the depth of her team is "much better" as the Hoosiers (14-10, 3-7) prepare for the second round of Big Ten matches.
"Last year, we didn't have as much depth," Dunbar said. "I feel really good about the situation if somebody's not playing good that we have somebody to come in and do a good job."
Dunbar hopes to maximize the talent throughout the roster for the final stretch of the season, which begins this weekend with two home matches. IU plays today at 7 p.m. against No. 6 Illinois (16-3, 8-2) and tomorrow at 7 p.m. against Northwestern (11-11, 2-8).
The Hoosiers received significant contributions from reserves in their four-set loss to Ohio State last Sunday.
Graduate right-side hitter Whitney Thomas and junior middle blocker/right-side hitter Taylor Wittmer, both of whom had not seen much action in Big Ten play to that point, sparked IU both offensively and defensively.
Thomas recorded 11 kills, third-most on the team. Wittmer registered six kills and three total blocks.
"I was happy with Whitney and Taylor for doing that," Dunbar said.
Wittmer was glad to contribute.
"I think it was something I really needed at this point," she said.
Also seeing action last Sunday was freshman hitter Shawn Hindman, who had missed a significant amount of time with a foot injury early in the season. Hindman had one kill on three attempts.
Hindman said her return is progressing well and hopes to help the team in any way possible.
Dunbar said Hoosier fans can expect to see more of Hindman going forward.
"We're trying to get more offense on the front row," Dunbar said, "getting (senior outside hitter) Kelsey (Hall) out a little bit, giving her a little break with her knee, and Shawn now back from her injury, we're hoping she can come in and provide some of that offense"
