Let's take a quick look at the IU women's volleyball game against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines Friday night in Bloomington, Ind.
What Happened:
The Wolverines came into Bloomington and started Big Ten play with a straight sets sweep over the Hoosiers. Michigan's Lexi Erwin and Alex Hunt led the way for the Wolervines with 14 and 11 kills, respectively. Hunt also added 3 service aces and kept the Hoosiers off-balanced all night with her blasts from all over the court.
How It Happened:
For the Hoosiers, no one made it to double digits in kills and the team did not hold lead or tie after the score was tied 14-14 in the first set. Kelci Marschall seemed to have a bit of an off-night with sloppy passing at times and a .143 hitting percentage, but the junior bounced back to rack up 9 kills to lead IU on the night.
The Wolverines controlled the tempo of the match after the game was tied at 14-14 in the first set. Throughout the match, the Hoosiers seemed to be out matched as the Wolverines had an answer for every IU attempt.
What It Means:
Obviously, the Hoosiers did not want to open the Big Ten season by getting swept on their own court, but No. 18 Michigan was simply better on this night. The tough attacking and serving of the Maize and Blue exposed some of IU's weaknesses in passing and forced the Hoosiers to play back on their heels all night.
As 7 of the 12 Big Ten teams are in the Top-25 rankings, the Hoosiers will continue to see this level of competition--if not better--so they must rebound and start playing more consistently.
What's Next for the Hoosiers:
The Michigan State Spartans visit University Gym Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET. The Spartans traveled to play Purdue on Friday night, but brought a 11-1 record into the weekend.
With a loss against Michigan to start Big Ten play, the game against Michigan State will hold even more significance because the Hoosiers need to avoid a 0-2 start in the Big Ten before going on a four game road trip to Illinois, Northwestern, Iowa and Nebraska that spans two weekends.
Stat of the Night:
Wolverines' team hitting percentage: .358
Hoosiers' team hitting percentage: .100
