Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Illinois
Hoosiers Take Out #10 Illinois
11/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 26, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana Volleyball (20-11, 8-11 Big Ten) notched its fourth win over a top-15 opponent this season, knocking out No. 10 Illinois (22-7, 14-5) in four sets Friday night inside University Gym. The final scoreboard tallies read: 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 25-22. The Hoosiers have now defeated the top four teams in the Big Ten standings.
Sophomore outside hitter Ivie Obeime had arguably the best performance of her career, putting away 12 kills at a .346 attacking pace. All-American Ashley Benson also inflicted plenty of pain onto the Fighting Illini. Benson hammered home 18 kills with a .469 hitting efficiency and six blocks.
Indiana's back-row defense was superb all night long, led by Caitlin Cox and her 25 digs. Whitney Granado posted a double-double, recording 22 assists and 13 digs.
Benson got it going right away, terminating six of nine attempts in the opening set for a .667 efficiency. As a team, the Hoosiers swung at a .306 clip (16-5-36) and out-killed Illinois, 16 to 7. Benson teamed with Kelci Marschall for three blocks, helping to limit Illinois to a .054 attack percentage. Cox also played a big role in the defensive effort, digging six balls. The Hoosiers took a 5-4 lead and never trailed the rest of the frame.
Set number two was locked up on eight different occasions, including a 22-22 stalemate late in the set. Illinois was then able to grab the next three points, however, evening the match score at one set apiece.
The duo of Benson and Cox guided IU to a third set victory, just as they had in the first. Benson contributed six kills, two digs and a block; while Cox dug eight balls in the third frame alone. Indiana's lone deficit came at 1-0 as Obeime flipped the switch and blasted five kills. The Hoosiers out-dug Illinois 24 to 15 en route to a 25-20 winner.
Things were tight in the fourth set until a six-point run by the Cream and Crimson broke a 14-14 tie and put IU ahead 20-14. Illinois trimmed the lead to just two points at 24-22, but a Benson kill sealed the deal at 25-22.
Indiana concludes the regular season Saturday night, playing host to the Wisconsin Badgers (16-14, 5-14) at 7 p.m. Following the match, IU Athletics will applaud the hard work and dedication of this season's seniors with a special "Senior Night" presentation.
The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is scheduled for a 3 p.m. airing on ESPNews, Sunday (Nov. 28).
