Indiana University Athletics
IU Volleyball Takes on Spartans, Wolverines This Week
10/24/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 24, 2011
The Indiana University volleyball team (8-14, 0-10) enter the second half of the Big Ten slate this week, visiting the Great Lakes State twice this week. On Wednesday, the Hoosiers will be live on the Big Ten Network against the Spartans of Michigan State. The 22nd-ranked Michigan Wolverines then host the Hoosiers for a Saturday night match. The Hoosiers look to avenge losses to both teams at home earlier this season.
The Big Ten Network will be broadcasting the Michigan State match live, with Mike Wolf and Megan Bower on the call. The Voice of IU Volleyball, Cody Sharrett, will have the radio call at IUHoosiers.com for both matches, with Kyle Johnson providing color commentary. Visit the volleyball schedule page at IUHoosiers.com for broadcast schedules and links.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Spartans are among the nation's best in hitting percentage and lead the Big Ten, hitting at a .285 clip. They are led by senior Jenilee Rathje, who averages 4.49 kills and 4.89 points per set this season. Rathje had 20+ kills in both matches last week.
The Wolverines, second in the Big Ten this season with 14.33 kills per set, are led by senior Alex Hunt, who averages 3.32 kills and 0.44 aces per set this season. She is joined on Michigan's front line by sophomore Lexi Erwin, who averages 3.39 kills per set. Freshman setter Lexi Dannemiller is second among Big Ten setters this season with 11.57 assists per set. Courtney Fletcher is fourth in the Big Ten with a hitting percentage of .362.
COX ROX THE RECORD BOOKS
Caitlin Cox was named to the all-tournament team at the Hokie Classic and earned MVP honors at the Hoosier Classic. The senior libero broke IU's all-time digs record in the Gonzaga match and earned Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Cox has 1,750 career digs and surpassed Juli Pierce for the all-time IU record. The senior from Springport, Ind., had six service aces against UC Santa Barbara, tying herself for the fourth-most ever by a Hoosier in a single match en route to All-USD Invitational honors. Her first serve in the Wisconsin match was the 100th ace of her career. She is the 15th Hoosier with 100+ aces, and with 104 on her career she ranks 12th in IU lore.
