Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Iowa (Hoosier Hysteria)
IU Volleyball at 'The Hall' = Sweep of Hawkeyes
10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 16, 2009
Final Stats | PHOTO GALLERY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - IU Volleyball put a charge into Friday night's Hoosier Hysteria festivities, jump-starting the evening with a 3-0 sweep (25-23, 25-14, 25-18) over the Iowa Hawkeyes (10-9, 2-5 Big Ten). With the win, Indiana improves to 14-7 overall and 3-4 in conference play.
"This was big win tonight for us, for this program," said Head Coach Sherry Dunbar. "We played with a passion and heart tonight that is pretty special. I liked the fight we showed in that third set, coming back from the early deficit."
Ashley Benson paced the Hoosiers with 10 kills and four blocks while hitting at a .409 clip (10-1-22). Jordan Haverly and Kelci Marschall weren't far behind in the kills column with nine put-aways each. In the defensive backcourt, three different Hoosiers dug 10 or more balls. Caitlin Cox, donning a pink libero jersey in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, led the way with 14 digs.
Most impressive may have been the Hoosier serving. Indiana fired eight aces on the night, including four by Laura Matula.
"I think we gave our alumni something to be proud of tonight," said Coach Dunbar (this weekend is Alumni Weekend for IU Volleyball). "We owe them a lot for what they did before us."
The spot-on service started from the get-go as Indiana picked up four aces through the first 18 points of the match, putting themselves ahead 12-6 before an Iowa timeout. Marschall and Benson put on a show in the opening set, combining for nine kills and a .389 hitting efficiency. Marschall swung with confidence throughout the set, putting five points on the scoreboard via the kill. With a slim 24-23 advantage, the New London, Ohio, native finished it off with her fifth kill and the 25-23 victory.
Marschall's hot-hand continued in the second stanza, hitting a cool .600 (3-0-5). Benson was also errorless in the frame, hitting three kills on nine swings. A big stuff by that tandem put Indiana ahead 15-11 and forced Iowa's Head Coach Sharon Dingman to burn a timeout. From there it was all Hoosiers en route to a 25-14 winner. Indiana won the final seven points of the set to close it out.
Iowa then flipped the switch to begin set number three, jumping out to a 5-0 lead. The Hoosiers slowly dug themselves out of the early hole, however, taking their first lead at 13-12. Indiana increased their edge to four a few points later following a rare triple block, executed by Benson, Mary Chaudoin and Kelsey Hall. Haverly closed the deal, saving her best for last, and pounding home three kills in the final five-point stretch of the match. The final tally read 25-18, in favor of the Cream and Crimson.
Coach Dunbar's Hoosiers are back at it Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., taking on the Wisconsin Badgers inside University Gym.
