The IU volleyball team ends the season with one last Big Ten road trip, beginning with a clash at Wisconsin at 8 p.m. today.
A preview of the contest as the Hoosiers (15-17, 4-14) seek revenge on the Badgers (11-16, 6-12):
When they last met
The two teams met in University Gym Oct. 18 and engaged in a five-set affair. Wisconsin won by scores of 25-20, 15-25, 25-22, 17-25 and 15-11.
Where they stand now
IU is out of NCAA Tournament contention, but the Badgers still have the slimmest of hopes at selection. At 11-16, they could theoretically crack the top six in the Big Ten if they sweep this weekend, but even a sweep might not be enough for Wisconsin to earn a spot in the 64-team field.
Keys to the match
The Hoosiers want to finish the season on a strong note, and a sweep of Wisconsin and Iowa would certainly be as strong a note on which to finish. To get by the Badgers, however, they'll need to prepare for freshman outside hitter Kirby Toon, who registered 12 kills in the first meeting and did significant damage in the fifth set. IU needs to slow down Wisconsin's hitting on the whole as well.
The Badgers need to be on top of the Hoosiers' serving. The first meeting between the schools came on arguably IU's best serving weekend of the season. Freshman defensive specialist Laura Matula had four service aces against both Iowa and Wisconsin, and IU totaled seven against the Badgers. Receiving will be at a premium for Wisconsin.
