Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers to Host TIS/Taylor Invitational
9/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Bloomington, Ind.-- The Indiana volleyball team opens its home season against IUPUI Friday at 7:00 p.m. at University Gym in the team's opening match in the TIS/Taylor Invitational. The team will face Southeast Missouri State at noon and Wisconsin-Green Bay in the tournament finale at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Last weekend, the Hoosiers came in second place at the Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables, Florida. After winning their first two matches, IU fell to Miami (FL) in the championship match. Junior Christina Archibald and senior Melissa Brewer earned spots on the All-Tournament team at the event.
Last Week
Runners-up at Hurricane Invitational
Fri. August 29 vs. Kent St., W 3-2 (30-27, 27-30, 28-30, 30-23, 15-11)
Sat. August 30 vs. Manhattan, W 3-0 (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)
Sat. August 30 vs. Miami (Fla.), L 3-1 (30-19, 26-30, 30-23, 30-20)
Coming Up
TIS/Taylor Invitational
Fri. Sept. 5 vs. IUPUI, 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 6 vs. S.E. Missouri State, 12:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 6 vs. UW-Green Bay, 7:30 p.m.
HOOSIER REPORT
Indiana opened its 2003 season with a runners-up finish at the Hurricane Invitational in Coral Gables, Fla. The Hoosiers defeated Kent State and Manhattan before falling to Miami (Fla.) in the tournament championship. IU's victory over Kent State marked head coach Katie Weismiller's 11th-consecutive season-opening victory at Indiana.
Junior outside hitter Christina Archibald and senior middle blocker Melissa Brewer led the way for the Hoosiers, earning positions on the All-Tournament team. Archibald finished the two-day event with 54 kills and 31 digs in three matches. Brewer added 40 kills and seven block assists.
HOOSIER OPPONENTS
IUPUI: The Jaguars enter the TIS/Taylor Invitational riding high after a second-place finish at the Morehead State Eagle Classic. IUPUI fell to Morehead State in three games in the opener before rebounding with back-to-back victories over DePaul, 3-1 and Furman, 3-0. The preseason Mid-Continent Conference favorites were led by preseason first-team all-conference selection senior Rebekah Pallikan, who finished the tournament with 63 kills, 22 digs and nine block assists. Additionally, Pallikan and senior classmate Morgan Spaulding each earned a spot on the Morehead State Eagle Classic All-Tournament team.
Southeast Missouri State: Southeast opened its season with four-straight losses at the Maine Sea-Sun Tournament. The Otahkians dropped three-game matches to #11 Penn State and Colorado in addition to falling to Rhode Island, 3-1 and Maine, 3-2. Senior Emily Scannell made the All-Tournament team, distributing 130 assists in the four games. Despite its 0-4 start, Southeast was voted preseason favorite, along with Murray State, in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Scannell was named to the preseason All-OVC first team with senior Sarah Frost being named to the second team.
Wisconsin-Green Bay: IU closes out the invitational against Wisconsin-Green Bay. The Phoenix went 3-0 last weekend, earning the championship at the Super 8 Classic in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Green Bay downed host Central Michigan (3-0), Illinois-Chicago (3-1) and IPFW (3-2) en route to the title. Senior Janelle Tomlinson garnered tournament MVP honors, while junior Leslie Kuhn joined her on the All-Tournament team. The Phoenix were selected third in the Horizon League Preseason Poll behind defending champion UW-Milwaukee and Loyola.
Head Coach Katie Weismiller
The winningest volleyball coach in Indiana University history, Katie Weismiller has completely changed the fortunes of the IU volleyball program during her 10 years in Bloomington. Now in her 11th season, Weismiller has led the Hoosiers to three NCAA Tournaments in the last five years, including an NCCA berth last fall. The Hoosiers' tournament appearance in 2002 marked the fourth time in the program's history, all under Weismiller, an Indiana team advanced to the postseason. After taking over a program that was 6-23 prior to her arrival, Weismiller led the Hoosiers to a .500 record in her second season in Bloomington. In her third season, the Hoosiers finished with a 20-14 overall mark, a 12-8 record in the Big Ten Conference, and earned the school's first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. Indiana made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 1998 and 1999, advancing to the second round on both occasions. Prior to Indiana, Weismiller was the head coach at Saint Louis University (1989-90), prior to serving as an assistant at the University of Florida (1991-92).
Assistant Coach Cydryce Carter: Carter is entering her second season as an assistant coach at Indiana after spending two seasons as an assistant at Southwest Texas State. Carter coordinates Indiana's recruiting efforts in addition to her on-court responsibilities, which include working with the Hoosiers' middle blockers. Carter's impact was felt immediately in 2002 as she helped lead the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament. As a standout player at Indiana, Carter finished her career among Indiana's top 10 in digs, service aces, block assists, and total blocks. She twice earned Academic All-America honors.
Assistant Coach Ryan Theis: Theis enters his second season at Indiana. In his first season, the Hoosiers won 12 more matches than they did in 2001. In addition to his on-court duties, Theis is responsible for a number of administrative functions including team travel, equipment and recruiting. Prior to his arrival at Indiana, Theis spent two seasons as the top assistant for the women's volleyball program at Eastern Illinois University. In 2001, he helped lead the Panthers to a 21-9 overall mark, an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Hoosiers Runners-Up
Indiana opened its season with a 2-1 record and runners-up finish at the Hurricane Invitational hosted by Miami (Fla.) in Coral Gables, Fla. The Hoosiers downed Kent State in the first match of the event, 3-2, followed by a three-game sweep of Manhattan. Miami and IU entered the championship match with identical 2-0 records, but the Hurricanes, who are receiving votes in the AVCA/USA Today Top 25, defeated the Hoosiers, 3-1 (30-19, 26-30, 30-23, 30-19).
All-Tournament Team
Junior outside hitter Christina Archibald and senior middle blocker Melissa Brewer represented the Hoosiers on the All-Tournament team at the Hurricane Invitational. Archibald led the Hoosiers with 54 kills, including a match-high 22 against Kent State. She also recorded 31 digs, including 15 against the Golden Flashes. Brewer added 40 kills and seven block assists. In her biggest match of the event, the senior helped IU down Kent State with 18 kills, hitting .368.
Weismiller Wins Opener Again
In its 29th season, Indiana has compiled a 22-7 record in season-opening matches. The Hoosiers improved to a perfect 11-0 in season openers under head coach Katie Weismiller after defeating Kent State in five games. Indiana's last loss in a season-opening match was a three-game sweep at Kentucky on September 4, 1992.
TIS/Taylor Invitational
This year marks the second season of the TIS/Taylor Invitational. In 2002, Dayton took home the inaugural championship. Indiana finished with a 2-1 record. Here's a look at how the Hoosiers fared last year:
Opponent W/L Score
Dayton L 20-30, 30-27, 24-30, 30-26, 15-12
Evansville W 30-19, 30-21, 30-19
CS-Fullerton W 31-29, 30-24, 30-26
TIS/Taylor Invitational Schedule
Indiana faces IUPUI at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and takes on S.E. Missouri St. at noon on Saturday followed by the tournament finale against UW-Green Bay at 7:00 p.m. The complete tournament schedule is listed below:
Date Match Time
Fri. UW-Green Bay vs. S.E. Miss. St 4:00 p.m.
Fri. IUPUI vs. Indiana 7:00 p.m.
Sat. IUPUI vs. UW-Green Bay 9:30 a.m.
Sat. S.E. Miss. St. vs. Indiana noon
Sat. S.E. Miss. St. vs. IUPUI 4:30 p.m.
Sat. UW-Green Bay vs. Indiana 7:30 p.m.
TIS/Taylor Invitational Opponents
This weekend marks the first meetings between IU, UW-Green Bay and Southeast Missouri State. The Hoosiers have met IUPUI twice, scoring victories in both matches against the Jaguars. Last year, Indiana defeated the Jaguars in three games at the season-opening NIU Tournament. Here is how IU has matched up against IUPUI:
Date W/L H/A Score
11/11/77 W N 15-4, 15-4
8/31/02 W N 30-20, 30-28, 30-14
Brewer Academic All-America Candidate
Melissa Brewer, a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season, is a leading candidate for Academic All-America honors. The Bloomington, Ind., native was named to the Verizon Academic All-District V Volleyball First Team for the second consecutive season in 2002. Additionally, Brewer was one of eight Hoosiers earning a spot on the Academic All-Big Ten team. On the court, the senior middle blocker became the sixth Hoosier in the program's history and the first since Anne Eastman and Lynn Crawley (1994) to earn Mideast All-Region honors. She opened play this season garnering a spot on the All-Tournament team at the Hurricane Invitational.
Two-Sport Star
In addition to her volleyball duties, Christina Archibald is a member of the IU track and field team. During the spring of 2002, Archibald finished in a fourth place tie in the high jump at the Big Ten Championship with a leap of 5'7 3/4''. The jump tied her for the best finish in the event by a freshman. The Belleville, Ill., native took last track season off to rehabilitate a foot injury. On the volleyball court, Archibald helped guide the Hoosiers to a 2-1 record in their season-opening tournament in Coral Gables, Fla. The junior led the Hoosiers with 54 kills, with a match-high 22 kills against Kent St., on her way to being named to the All-Tournament team. Last season, the outside hitter was honorable mention All-Big Ten after setting Indiana's single-season record in kills with 555. She was named Big Ten Player of the Week (9/23) along with being named to the All-Tournament team at the NIU/Best Western Invitational and being selecting MVP at the IU Credit Union Classic.
Pollom Named All-Big Ten
Another Hoosier earning a spot on the 2002 All-Big Ten team was middle blocker Katie Pollom. The junior was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after setting an IU single-season record for total blocks (153), and tying current IU assistant coach Cydryce Carter for first on the single-season block assists list (139). Pollom also finished third on the team in kills with 446, which ranks seventh all-time on the Hoosiers' single-season list. Pollom started this season off on the right foot leading the Hoosiers with eight block assists in Miami. The junior stepped up in game three against Manhattan, lending a hand in five-consecutive points, thwarting a Jasper rally.
Zimmerman Runs the Show
Running the show for Indiana is junior setter Victoria Zimmerman. Displaying great leadership and excitement, Zimmerman set the single-season school record with 1,765 assists. She ranked ninth nationally with 13.58 assists per game and is an All-Big Ten candidate this season. At the Hurricane Invitational, the Barrington, Ill., native was instrumental in the Hoosiers' successful attack. On the weekend, Zimmerman averaged 11.58 assists per game, setting up All-Tournament members Christina Archibald and Melissa Brewer all weekend. She also contributed 40 digs, ranking second on the team, adding 11 kills and seven block assists in 12 games played.
Hill Fights Through Injury
Fighting a knee injury her entire junior season, outside hitter Nikki Hill showed her toughness and will to stay on the court, managing to play in all 130 Hoosier games. After undergoing surgery just prior to spring break, Hill looked refreshed and provided IU with an offensive spark in Miami. Against Kent State, the senior ending several Golden Flash runs with timely kills, helping the Hoosiers earn a tough five-game victory. Despite her injury, Hill tied for fourth on the team in 2002 with a career-high 320 kills and led the squad with 40 service aces. She was named to the All-Tournament Team at the IU Credit Union Classic and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Heimann Gets Defensive
One of the most pleasant surprises of the 2002 campaign was the emergence of Beth Heimann. After taking a one-year hiatus from the squad, Heimann returned to the team just weeks prior to the start of the season and provided senior Hillary Toivonen with support at the libero position. She appeared in all 33 matches (118 of 130 possible games) and recorded 253 digs, fifth-best on the team. At the Hurricane Invitational, Heimann proved last year's play was no fluke. She was a catalyst on the defense registering a team-high 46 digs appearing in all 12 games as the Hoosier libero.
Pritz Sees Increased Action
Senior Monique Pritz has shined during the offseason and continued her impressive play in Miami. Pritz saw in action in all 12 games pounding 18 kills and collecting six block assists. Head coach Katie Weismiller has been pleased with the senior's progress. Her play on the right side has been tremendous and she will continue to be called upon more this season. In 2002, Pritz appeared in all 33 matches and 124 of 130 possible games. She was fifth on the team with 147 kills. Pritz also showed her versatility by delivering 49 assists, second on the team only to setter Victoria Zimmerman. Off the court, an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Pritz also received the Varsity Club Scholastic Achievement Award in 2002-03.
White A Pleasant Surprise
One of the brightest positives from Indiana's performance in the Hurricane Invitational was the play of sophomore Ashley White. Appearing in only 18 games last season, the St. Charles, Ill., native appeared in eight of the team's 12 games in Miami. She contributed 20 kills and provided a much-needed boost to the IU offense. In her most impressive match, White pounded 11 kills en route to an Indiana three-game sweep of Manhattan.
Preseason Big Ten Poll
Coming off its third NCAA Tournament appearance in five seasons, the Hoosiers were selected fifth in the 2003 Big Ten Conference Preseason Coaches Poll. In addition, league coaches tabbed junior outside hitter Christina Archibald to the preseason All-Big Ten team.
USA Today Poll
Indiana received votes in the first installment of the USA Today/AVCA Division I Coaches Top 25. Overall, five Big Ten teams are ranked in the top 25. The Hoosiers' third opponent of the season, the Miami Hurricanes, sit just outside the top 25 receiving the 26th most votes in the nation. Indiana faces five teams ranked in the preseason top 25 and three more teams receiving votes in the poll.
Hoosiers Welcome Six Freshmen
After lacking depth last season, the Hoosiers brought in an infusion of young talent to the 2003 team. Setter Tasha Arsenych (Plano, Texas/East), outside hitter Christine Banas (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central), defensive specialist Lindsay Cochrane (Geneva, Ill./Geneva), defensive specialist Sara Diehl (Bloomington, Ind./South), outside hitter/defensive specialist Anne Grabow (Urbana, Ill./Urbana), and outside hitter Katy Jo Mroski (Hubbard, Ohio/Hubbard) provide IU with a deeper bench and give head coach Katie Weismiller more flexibility and versatility with her lineup.
Pollom Selected as Captain
Senior/junior Katie Pollom will serve as Indiana's team captain in 2003. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker from Indianapolis, Ind. served as the captain last season as well.
New Statistic
The Big Ten Conference will be experimenting with a new statistic this season tallying total points for each individual player. The statistic is calculated by adding the number of kills (1 point), aces (1 point) block solos (1 point) and block assists (.5 points) divided by two. This gives the fans a chance to see how many points an individual player contributes to the team. Other conferences have used the statistic before, but this is the first year the Big Ten will use it.
Hoosiers Dancing
In 2002, Indiana advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history, all under head coach Katie Weismiller. Weismiller has led the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament three times in the last five years in arguably the toughest volleyball conference in the nation - the Big Ten. Last season, eight Big Ten teams earned a berth into the Tournament. IU matched up against the University of Texas in the first round dropping a heartbreaking five-set match 22-30, 38-36, 17-30, 30-24, 10-15. The Hoosiers are 2-4 all-time in the NCAA Tournament in their four appearances.
Indiana's 2002 Academic All-Big Ten Honorees
Eight Hoosiers overall, including six returners, were recognized by the Big Ten last year for academic excellence. Indiana's 2002 Academic All-Big Ten honorees are as follows:
Melissa Brewer (Senior/Biology)
Beth Heimann (Junior/Marketing)
Nikki Hill (Senior/Marketing)
Katie Pollom (Junior/Biology)
Monique Pritz (Senior/Exercise Science)
Hillary Toivonen (Graduated)
Victoria Zimmerman (Junior)
Academic Honor
Always a staple under head coach Katie Weismiller, the Hoosiers garner recognition for academic excellence. Last year was no different as the team was recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as a recipient of the 2002-03 Team Academic Award. Indiana was one of 35 Division I volleyball programs to earn the honor. The award honors college and high school teams that displayed excellence in the classroom during the 2002-03 academic school year.
