Hoosiers fall short, Illinois wins in four games

The Hoosiers' season dwindled down to only three matches left as IU battled Illinois last night at University Gym. The Hoosiers gave a stellar performance and held off No. 21 Illinois in the first match of the game, but couldn't pull out the win falling after four games.\n"We definitely competed with this team and I think that Illinois was very strong with their middles and when they were in system they were really good. We struggled with stopping their middles, but we served tough and we took their middles out. We were competing and playing," head coach Katie Weismiller said. \nGame one started off in favor of IU as they scored the first point of the match against the Illini. Sophomore middle blocker Melissa Brewer proved she has what it takes to compile an unstoppable performance as she led the team with five kills at the end of the first game and recorded 12 for the evening. Illinois led the match 8-7, but an answer by Brewer tied the match. A timeout at 17-12 gave the Hoosiers time to regroup. Illinois regrouped to win the first game 30-21. \nThe second game of the evening gave the Hoosiers a chance to show their skills as they leapt into the next game leading 5-1. IU battled to continue their lead at the first timeout, 10-3. Another kill by freshman Katie Pollom pushed the score to 11-3. The Hoosiers continued their reign over Illinois after a timeout leading 26-19. After a lift was called on Illinois the score tallied 28-21. IU wrapped up game two towering over Illinois 30-22. \nAfter half time the Hoosiers returned to the court, adding freshman Karla Crose to the line up. The first timeout of game three showed Illinois dominating over IU 15-9 after tough playing by Illinois senior outside hitter Shadia Haddad. Haddad tallied six kills in the third game. IU showed their determination battling the score to 20-12, despite controversial official calls and fast hitting kills by Illinois. Match point approached for Illinois, but IU fought the score to 29-27 after trailing Illinois trough most of game three. The game ended with Illinois\' second win of the night 30-27.\nHeading into game four IU took the led fast at 4-1, but Illinois soon cut the lead to tie up the match at 4. The competition between the two teams grew as they flip flopped for the lead and tied the score nearly eleven times. IU finally took the lead at 23-22. The Hoosiers added freshman setter Victoria Zimmerman to the court and again tied the score at 29. IU had the ball serving at the crucial match point for both teams, but a serving error by Brewer raised the score to 30-29. A lift was called in the last moments of the game to award Illinois the win 31-29.\nThe Hoosiers' next match will be Friday against Purdue for possession of the Monon Spike. Friday will also mark the final home game for seniors Laurie Gardner, Crecia Keithley, and Meghan Stout. \nAccording to sports information director Laura Dewitz, Gardner will pass on her last year of eligibility. Gardner redshirted her freshman year and will qualify for academic graduation in May. \n"I can graduate in May and I have decided to move on," Gardner said. "I have had a great four years and I have just decided that I am ready to move on"