Team aims to snap 7-game losing streak

Coming off its four-match road trip to start the 2004 Big Ten campaign, the IU women's volleyball team returns home this weekend for two tough matches against nationally ranked opponents. \nAfter finishing their early season road trip 0-4, the Hoosiers' schedule does not get any easier. This Friday, the IU will take on the No. 9 team in the nation: the Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturday, IU will play host to the No. 6-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions. \n"We're happy to be home, but at the same time we know we are going to be facing two very tough teams," said IU coach Katie Weismiller. "There's never an off night in the Big Ten." \nThe Buckeyes are currently in first place in the Big Ten after upsetting the No. 1 team in the nation this past weekend, Minnesota. Ohio State's record currently stands at 14-0 overall, 4-0 in conference.\nSenior outside hitter Stacy Gordon leads the Buckeye attack with 321 kills (6.89 per game) while also leading the team in service aces with 21. Gordon was named Big Ten Player of the Week after leading the Buckeyes to their upset victory over Minnesota. \n"We've been working hard in practice preparing for Stacy Gordon. We all know what she can do," said senior outside hitter Christina Archibald.\nOhio State has a 32-22 advantage in the all-time series between the two schools, but IU has a 13-10 record in matches played at home. In last year's matches, IU and Ohio State split the season series with each team winning its home match. \nThings do not get any easier for the Hoosiers Saturday night against Penn State. The Nittany Lions have a record of 12-1 overall and a 3-1 mark in the Big Ten after losing to Minnesota last Friday. Penn State has dominated its matches against IU, winning all 28 played since 1982. \nThe Nittany Lions feature a balanced offensive attack led by senior Ashley Pederson (4.23 kills per game), freshman Kate Price (3.67 kpg) and senior Syndie Nadeau (2.73 kpg).\nThe Hoosiers know what they have to do this weekend to be successful. During its current seven-match losing streak, IU has had trouble putting teams away, squandering leads. \n"Once we get a lead in a match, we have to finish it," Weismiller said. \nThe losing streak has been disappointing for Weismiller's squad, but the team has made definite strides in improving itself. \n"We are a better team than we were three weeks ago. Practices are getting better; we're fine tuning things," Weismiller said.\nComing off two heartbreaking losses last weekend, the Hoosiers remain confident. After struggling against Michigan State, IU forced a tough Michigan team to five games before ultimately losing in the decisive fifth game. \n"We had Michigan down and just couldn't put them away," Archibald said. "We had some bad breaks, and we weren't able to finish strong." \nLast year's Hoosier team struggled through an 11-game losing skid, and this year's team seems determined to halt its most recent skid at seven. \n"Michigan is a great team. We learned a lot as team from that match," said junior middle blocker Mandy Eberle. "We have to continue building and keep our focus." \nOne change the Hoosiers will make this weekend is switching freshman outside hitter Christine Nilles to libero, the defensive specialist for the team. Sophomores Sara Diehl and Lindsay Cochrane have been splitting duties at libero so far this season.\n"(Christine) went through a role change to play libero. She is really enjoying her new role and we need another great weekend from her," Weismiller said about the change in positions for Nilles. \nWith the current seven-match losing streak on their backs, the Hoosiers are not letting it change their team attitude and are as confident as ever.\n"We can roll with any Big Ten team once we get going. We have the ability to dominate," Archibald said.\nThe matches against Ohio State and Penn State will both be played at University Gymnasium at the corner of 10th Street and the 45/46 Bypass.\n-- Contact staff writer Tim O'Brien at tpobrien@indiana.edu.