Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Michigan
Indiana Falls to #15 Michigan
10/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 19, 2007
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Indiana University volleyball team suffered a 3-1 defeat (28-30, 30-23, 30-18, 30-27) to #15 Michigan Friday night in Ann Arbor.
Juli Pierce cracked into the top ten all-time by increasing her career dig total to 1,044 with an 18-dig performance.
The Hoosiers trailed for much of game one, but defensive domination at the net would eventually put them on top in the end. Facing a 25-23 deficit, IU notched three consecutive points to force a Michigan timeout. Following the break in action, Short sent Lyndsay Miller's attack right back at her for her third solo block of game one. Moments later a UM service ace narrowed the lead to 29-28. The Cream and Crimson responded immediately, however, as the next serve was finished off by a Taylor Wittmer-kill after a perfect pass and set to take game one, 30-28. Wittmer did it all in the opening act, recording five kills on all five attack attempts and racking up four blocks.
Game two was not so kind to the Hoosiers. Michigan built an early lead that IU could not overcome. Down by 11 points at 22-11, Indiana did make a run, however, winning five straight points to narrow the gap to 22-16. But in the end, the Wolverines came out victorious in the second stanza by a score of 30-23. The Indiana offense picked it up in game three, but unfortunately so did the Wolverine attack as they hit .404 to take the 30-18 win.
Just as they have all season long, the Hoosiers seemed unfazed and jumped out to a 6-2 lead in game four. Indiana was able to hold onto the lead up until UM took a 25-24 edge late in the contest. This after an odd situation at the 23-23 mark in which the Hoosiers were rewarded the point when Freshman Ashley Benson belted a kill. After a short conference, the officials decided to change the call and reward the point to the Wolverines. However, another conference was then had and the point was decided to be replayed. Michigan did just enough the remainder of the game for the 30-27 win.
The Hoosier volleyball team and their staff will receive their first Saturday night off in nearly two months thanks to the mid-week match versus Purdue on Wednesday. University Gym will play host to a pair of home matches next weekend when IU welcomes #8 Wisconsin and Illinois to Bloomington.
Players Mentioned
