Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Penn State (Big Ten Network)
#1 Penn State Downs Hoosiers, 3-0
11/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 5, 2008
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - The Indiana University volleyball team (14-11, 6-7 Big Ten) ran into a buzz-saw Wednesday night, suffering a 3-0 (13-25, 14-25, 22-25) setback to top-ranked and defending national champion Penn State (25-0, 13-0).
"They (Penn State) play each other every day in practice and go up against that competition every day," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar. "They are up to the challenge and continue to get better."
Penn State was able to grab an early lead and did not look back in the opening set, winning 25-13. Indiana's backcourt did record 14 digs, however, led by Erica Short and her six digs. Caitlin Cox also played well defensively with her four digs. Juli Pierce and Taylor Wittmer each picked up a service ace in the set.
Indiana then fell behind 0-4 to start the second set before winning seven of the next nine points to go ahead 7-6. Benson notched a pair of kills in that stretch. Seconds later, the Hoosiers remained ahead 8-7 thanks to a kill by IU setter Hayley Koetter. Penn State managed to even the score at 8-8 on the following point. From there, the Nittany Lions strung together a few long runs in taking the set, 25-14.
In set number three, the Cream and Crimson were within three points from doing what no other team in the country has been able to do all season long ... take a set from Penn State. Indiana was ahead 22-21 late in the frame following a kill by Short and PSU ball handling error. The Hoosiers led for much of the late goings, earning an edge on the scoreboard seven different times. Short really came alive in the final set, putting away six kills while hitting .294. The Orrville, Ohio native also tallied a solo block to put the Hoosiers up 20-19. In the end, it was the Nittany Lions coming out on top though, winning the set 25-22.
"We can't take anything for granted the rest of the way," said Dunbar. "We have to stay scrappy and aggressive in order to win down the stretch."
Indiana's next match is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Michigan State. That contest will begin a little earlier than usually with first serve coming at 6:30 p.m. eastern time. The live audio broadcast, available at IUHoosiers.com, begins approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the match.
"We really have to get fired up for Saturday," said Dunbar. "With it being the only the match of the weekend, it's a big one."
Players Mentioned
