Nov. 21, 2009

Final Stats

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - In front of a nearly capacity crowd at University Gym Saturday night, the Hoosier Volleyball team (15-17, 4-14) gave them a show by going toe-to-toe with top-ranked and two-time defending national champion Penn State (30-0, 18-0). Indiana led as late as 21-19 in the opening set and garnered a pair of set point opportunities in the third frame. The final tallies read 25-22, 25-16, 26-24 in favor of the Nittany Lions, however.

Ashley Benson was the top Hoosier terminator, putting away 11 kills on the night. Meanwhile, Jordan Haverly chipped in 10 kills and an aggressive Mary Chaudoin hit .444 (5-1-9) from the setter position. Kelci Marschall also contributed heavily on offense with nine kills.

Benson led the way defensively as well, recording five blocks. It was a balanced effort in the backcourt as Caitlin Cox, Whitney Granado and Laura Matula each dug seven or more balls.

The crowed erupted early and often in set number one. Indiana lead by as many as four points (10-6) and held a two-point advantage at 21-19. Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose then called a timeout though and watched his squad rattle off the next five points. After a kill by Benson halted the run, the Nittany Lions finished off the 25-22 set win.

Penn State tunred on the jets in the second stanza, swinging at a .609 pace (16-2-23). The Hoosiers could not withstand the offensive barrage and dropped the set, 25-16.

Indiana turned it around quickly after the 10-minute intermission between sets two and three. There were a total of eight lead changes and 16 tied scores in the third set. The Hoosiers hit .286 as a team, racking up 19 kills. A kill by Wittmer pushed IU ahead 24-22, earning a pair of set points. Penn State then continued to show why they have won 94 consecutive matches, securing the final four points of the set and winning the match, 26-24. Benson was outstanding, putting down all six of her attack attempts for a perfect 1.000 hitting efficiency.

The Cream and Crimson wrap up the 2009 season next weekend on the road, heading to Wisconsin and Iowa. Follow along all the action with a live audio broadcasts provided by IUHoosiers.com. Kyle Kuhlman is set to provide the play-by-play commentary.