Team looks to avenge earlier loss to Boilers

The IU volleyball team (8-17, 2-12 Big Ten) looks to bounce back from two consecutive losses this weekend when it faces in-state rival Purdue tonight.\nThe Hoosiers dropped matches to both Michigan State and Michigan this weekend in Bloomington.\nThe Hoosiers were unable to gain any momentum Friday, as they fell easily to the Wolverines, 3-0. The Hoosiers couldn't recover Saturday night against the Spartans and fell short, 3-1.\nPurdue beat IU in an earlier Big Ten matchup, 3-0, in West Lafayette Sept. 22, the two teams' only meeting of the season so far.\nWith that victory, the Boilers retained possession of the Moton Spike, the traveling trophy between the two teams.\nAlthough the Hoosiers controlled the Spike in 1999, 2001 and 2002, the Boilers now have won it two years in a row.\nIU's rival brings a 12-12 overall record to Bloomington, coming off a 3-2 loss to Michigan last weekend. The Boilermakers are currently 5-9 in Big Ten standings.\nDespite the earlier losses, the Hoosiers are confident they will perform well against Purdue when they meet Wednesday night.\n"We are just going to have to keep up our communication and intensity," freshman Juli Pierce said. "Working together as a team is the key."\nWednesday's match will begin at 7 p.m. at University Gym on the corner of the 45/46 bypass and 10th Street. \nThe Hoosiers return to action Friday to face the Fighting Illini of Illinois.