Indiana University Athletics
Banter with Benson
11/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 11, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Fresh off back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Week recognitions, Indiana middle blocker Ashley Benson took a few minutes before practice recently to field a few questions from IUHoosiers.com about the team's recent success and some of the challenges that lie ahead for the Cream and Crimson. Below is what she had to say...
It's a `Rivalry Week' of sorts this weekend as the Hoosiers head to Purdue (Friday) and Illinois (Saturday) for a pair of crucial road matches ... your thoughts on the weekend?
"Indiana and Purdue are humongous rivals. Ever since I was little, I have been brought up to not like Purdue. Illinois is also a big rival because they are a neighboring state. There are always going to be rivals in big-time athletics, and Big Ten Volleyball is no different. These are two big ones for us."
What kind of challenges do the Boilermakers and Fighting Illini present Indiana this weekend?
"Purdue is really, really good at blocking. We need to make sure that we go over or get around their blocks; take advantage of opportunities and get the kills. Illinois is a really good defensive team. They out-dug us earlier this season and we need to change that this time."
What have been the keys to your recent hot streak and what have your teammates done to help you receive those two Big Ten Player of the Week awards?
"I'm just keeping a level-head. People keep saying, `oh you won two big awards' and all that, but I just say it's no big deal and keep working at getting better. The team was very excited for me and know that I am just doing whatever I can to help us win."
With six regular season matches to go and entering the weekend in a tie for sixth place in the Big Ten standings, the team's goal to `Fight for 12' and play in the NCAA Tournament is right there ... what do the Hoosiers need to do the rest of the way to achieve that goal?
"We need to keep fighting. No matter who we are playing, what the score is, where we are playing, we just have to keep fighting. We have to play every point like it is match-point because one little mess-up in this conference and you will find yourself at the bottom of the standings and not where we want to be."
Listen to all the IU Volleyball action right here at IUHoosiers.com as live audio broadcasts are available for each volleyball match. Matt Taylor will provide the play-by-play duties this weekend.
