Indiana University Athletics
Great Lakes Center NCAA Invitational Review with Matt Affolder
4/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 24, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana volleyball team concluded its spring season with a 1-4 record at the Great Lakes Center NCAA Invitational in Aurora, Ill., on April 22. The Hoosiers downed Illinois-Chicago 2-1 (23-30, 30-20, 16-14) in their one win at the event. Meanwhile, Indiana battled Ohio (L, 2-0), Marquette (L, 2-0), Dayton (L, 2-0) and Valparaiso (L, 2-0) in the four losses. Indiana assistant coach Matt Affolder sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about IU's spring season.
What are your overall thoughts on the team after its final weekend of outside competition during the spring season?
MA: We showed marked improvement in a few areas, specifically individual defense and shot selection on offense. Our outside hitter corps is attacking with more power and terminating at sharper angles. This group has now been through a full season together, and we expect great things for the 2006 season.
Who stood out this spring?
MA: Gabrielle Allison provided stability at middle hitter, while also improving her jump serve and offensive punch. Erica Short really turned the corner this spring and now is a dominating force for our program, both on offense and in ball control. I think Erica's confidence on-court grows each time she competes. After a stellar freshman season, we believe she will become one of the feared players at outside hitter in the Big Ten. Sara Diehl continued to provide solid ball control and defensive attitude.
Who surprised you the most?
MA: Juli Pierce and Katie Murray, two spring additions to the IU program, hit the ground running and provided solid setting and back-court play. Both players have extensive club/high school experience, and they adjusted well to our system.
What is the most important thing the team will take from the spring season?
MA: Versatility comes to mind as we had a few players in different positions during the spring season. The players got a glimpse of the style of volleyball we would like to play in the fall of 2006, a more active/flowing style of volleyball, and you could see them grow both mentally and physically. With great athletic talent and another year of experience the players look forward to a successful season in 2006.
