Indiana University Athletics
Home Winning Streak on the Line at Hoosier Classic
9/6/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 6, 2011
The Indiana University volleyball team (4-2) spends a second-straight weekend at home, looking for similar results. After a 3-0 weekend and tournament win at the IU Classic, the Hoosier Classic gives IU the opportunity to move its home winning streak to six matches this season.
The Hoosiers play Gonzaga (3-3) at 7 p.m. ET on Friday before facing Niagara (4-4) at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Eastern Illinois (2-5) in a 7:30 p.m. nightcap.
Live audio broadcasts on IUHoosiers.com will be available for all three matches this weekend, and every contest throughout the entire 2011 season. Cody Sharrett will call the play-by-play.
The Hoosiers take battle with the Bulldogs for the first time in school history. Gonzaga comes to town with a 4-3 record. They are led by senior Laura Day who has 62 kills and 63 digs on the season, and the Torrance, Calif., native has managed a double double in the last four matches for the Zags. Niagara is 4-4 on the year and looks to avenge a 2010 loss to the Hoosiers. The Purple Eagles average an impressive 16.74 digs per set, with junior libero Sam Morgan leading the way with 160. Senior hitter Hannah Hedrick has 104 kills on the season and averages 3.85 per set. Eastern Illinois is 2-5 on the season, and they trail IU 8-2 in the all-time series. The Panthers are led by junior Emily Franklin, who has 51 kills and 54 digs on the season.
PERFECTION FOR THROWER
Junior middle blocker Samantha Thrower has big shoes to fill, trying to replace Ashley Benson, who did things no one in IU history had ever done. Well, against Buffalo, Thrower did something no one in the Big Ten had ever done. She had 15 kills on 15 swings, breaking a Big Ten record and tying the national record as well. Thrower made the IU Classic all-tournament team.
K-MARSCH: BLUE-LIGHT SPECIAL
Junior Kelci Marschall was third on the IU team in kills in 2010, so naturally, it was expected that with the loss of Ashley Benson to graduation and Jordan Haverly to injury, Marschall might have some extra work in 2011.
Marschall got the message loud and clear, as she leads the Hoosiers in kills with 71 (3.23 per set). She earned tournament MVP honors at the IU Classic, recording a double-double against SEMO with 15 kills and 16 digs and averaging 10+ kills on the weekend.
She is being called on to play all six spots in the rotation this season, and she is answering that call. She is third on the team in digs (41) and third in blocks (14).
HOME COOKIN'
The Hoosiers defended their home turf during the 2010 season, which was a big key to their success. IU went 13-2 at home, including a pair of NCAA tournament wins at University Gymnasium. The Hoosiers have won their last nine home matches dating back to last season.
IU had an outstanding home court advantage in 2010, averaging 1,150 fans at 15 home meetings.
ALWAYS IN THE KNOW
Hoosier fans can follow their volleyball team like never before by logging on to Twitter, Facebook and YouTube all season long. Indiana can be followed on Twitter (twitter.com/IUVolleyball) and Facebook (facebook.com/IUVolleyball). In addition, a live audio broadcast of all matches can be found at IUHoosiers.com. Cody Sharrett is in his first season as the voice of IU Volleyball.
HERE'S SOMETHING FROM MARY
Senior setter Mary Chaudoin is back at it again for Season Three of the "Here's Something From Mary" weekly video blog. Hoosier fans can get an inside look at the world of IU Volleyball as Mary lugs around her camera all season long. A new episode will air each Monday throughout the season. Last year's "Here's Something From Mary" series totaled more than 7,000 views.
WEEKLY COACHES SHOW
Need more IU Volleyball in your life? Check out "Inside IU Volleyball with Head Coach Sherry Dunbar," a weekly show aired every Wednesday throughout the season. Cody Sharrett will serve as host and catch up with Coach Dunbar and players each week to get a closer look at exactly what's going on in the world of Hoosier Volleyball.
