Volleyball to open against Cincinnati

The volleyball team found itself having to adjust to a new setting last night, before it faced Cincinnati.\nOnly hours before their practice, the Hoosiers found that instead of playing in the University Gym, where their matches are usually held, they were to play in Assembly Hall, which is noticeably larger.\nThe reason for the change in venue was because Assembly Hall has air conditioning, and the University Gym does not. The gym's temperature is too hot and humid for the games to be played there.\nThe change will be noticeably different for the team. Although the team has home-court advantage, because of the size difference it will seem as if the support from the fans is less than it really is.\n"I'm excited and nervous," freshman setter Beth Heimann said. "I'm excited to run out of the tunnel, and it's going to be even better because it's here (at Assembly Hall)."\nThe team was pretty relaxed regardless of the change of atmosphere. The athletes stuck with their normal routine of warm-ups, despite the managers who worked around them, laying tape on the floor for the tournament.\nThe Hoosiers take on Cincinnati at 8 p.m. Friday in the first of three games IU plays this weekend. Cincinnati, like the Hoosiers, ended its season at the NCAA tournament last year, and will be a tough test for IU. Cincinnati has three starters returning to the line-up, including senior middle blocker Stephanie Meinig who was a preseason All-Conference USA selection. \n"Cincinnati has a young setter, but they also have experienced players in key positions," IU coach Katie Weismiller said. "It's going to be a battle for us."\nBowling Green State University and Loyola-Chicago each finished with 20-plus wins last season, and will be difficult foes for IU, when the Hoosiers face them at noon and 7 p.m. Saturday.\nThese preseason matches are important for the Hoosiers. In past preseasons, IU has gone undefeated, which led to their appearance in last year's NCAA tournament.\nIU has a couple of obstacles to overcome before tomorrow. Although the lineup is pretty much set, there have been a few minor injuries, which could change the lineup. These injuries, including a sprained ankle and a back spasm, were expected to be cleared up at their practice Thursday night.\nThe offense is almost set for the tournament. Junior Laurie Gardner will be their setter. Senior Amanda Welter starts as their right outside hitter. Senior Laura Dewitz will be in the middle as a blocker, and sophomore Hillary Toivonen as the back outside hitter. The rest of the spots are anticipated to be filled by freshmen.\nToday will be a new experience for the freshmen players. The day includes a light practice in which the team members will work on serving and passing. The team joins for a pre-game meal, then meets with the coaches to prepare for the game.\nThe team will then make its debut, and despite the expected battle it faces from Cincinnati, the Hoosiers hope to come away with a victory.\n"A win will give us confidence," Toivonen said. "We're a young team, and we are ready to play, we just don't know what to expect"