Senior outside hitter Kelsey Hall and graduate right-side hitter Whitney Thomas hope their Senior Night culminates with a revenge win against Ohio State at 7 p.m. today in University Gym.
A preview of the match as the Hoosiers (15-15, 4-12) square off against the Buckeyes (21-8, 9-7) for the second time this season:
When they last met
Ohio State won a four set affair by scores of 25-19, 25-22, 23-25 and 25-23 in Columbus Oct. 24.
Where they stand now
The Buckeyes stand fifth in the Big Ten with a 9-7 mark. They have received votes for the AVCA Top 25 poll and look to earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The Hoosiers are tied with Purdue and Iowa for last in the conference as each team has a 4-12 record in the Big Ten.
Keys to the match
IU wants to win for Hall and Thomas, so emotions will run high on the Hoosiers' side of the net. IU needs to defend well, as Ohio State outsidehitter Katie Dull can make things happen from the pins. Middle blockers Ashley Benson and Taylor Wittmer, as well as setter Mary Chaudoin, must own the net as they did late in the previous meeting.
Buckeyes coach Geoff Carlston has done a tremendous job thus far in turning around Ohio State's program. If the Buckeyes want to finish strong enough for a NCAA bid, they will need to be wary of a prideful Hoosiers squad that is showing it won't let up the rest of the way. Emotions aside, Ohio State cannot let IU back into the match late like they did the last time if they get an early lead.
