Indiana University Athletics
IUPUI Tournament Review with Matt Affolder
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 10, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana volleyball team continued its spring season with a 2-2 record at the IUPUI Spring Tournament in Indianapolis on April 8. The Hoosiers took a 2-1 (29-31, 30-22, 11-15) loss to Indianapolis, before downing Ball State, 2-1 (30-23, 27-30, 15-13) and IUPUI, 2-0 (30-24, 31-29). Indiana then fell to IPFW, 2-0 (20-30, 25-30). Indiana assistant coach Matt Affolder sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about IU's second competition of the spring season.
What are your overall thoughts on the team after its second weekend of outside competition during the spring season?
MA: I think the players are improving daily. With the spring comes varied lineups and position changes, and the team is handling its assignments well. There is a scrappy, tough attitude amongst the players, and I think they are developing an identity. You can see confidence building in the freshman and leadership developing in the sophomores.
Who stood out this weekend?
MA: At times, Erica Short dominated the game, both front court and back court with her overall presence. Juli Pierce has returned to form and has brought great ball control and a defensive presence from the setter and libero positions. I also think Annie Moddrell and Gabrielle Allison showed their effectiveness in the middle, offensively.
Who surprised you the most?
MA: Having battled through some foot problems, Emily Zulauf stepped up her game and provided the offensive punch we need at outside hitter.
What will you take out of this past weekend to help with the last two weeks of the spring schedule? Also, how excited are you to welcome in a large field for IU Spring Fling II on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 9 a.m.?
MA: Our spring is designed as a climb, not a descent. Next weekend will see much tougher competition with Cincinnati of the Big East and NCAA tournament regular Western Kentucky. The team is focused on improvement and this weekend we served much tougher, connected better with our quick/middle offense and extended rallies more with some scrappy defense. I know the team is anxious for another opportunity to improve play on our side of the net.
