Hoosiers remain focused in search of 2nd Big Ten win

During a long college sports season, losing focus is something that can plague teams. The members of the IU women's volleyball team realize this, and have come up with a unique formula for battling the monotony that accompanies their long road trips and tournament weekends.\n"Hanging in the locker room we have a poster we tap before every game," said Gabrielle Allison, sophomore outside hitter. "Integrity, earning respect, moving beyond defeat and winning tomorrow today. That's what our team stands for."\nThough a relatively young squad, the Hoosiers understand the importance of making sacrifices to keep the ball alive. This is particularly true in the Big Ten where the spotlight shines brighter. Nowhere else is it more prevalent for the team than where everything happens -- on the court. After two Big Ten losses last weekend dropped their overall record to 8-8, the question is: How will the Hoosiers respond?\n"The girls always come out strong and have a lot of heart when they hit. We just need to come back wanting more," head coach Katie Weismiller said. "Play in the present, get over the past." \nThat seems to be the theme for the squad which has taken hard hits against schools such as Penn State, Ohio State and Western Michigan University. However, the bevy of players has dusted off the remains and relies upon a new arsenal -- intuition.\n"I do whatever I've got to do in order to be pumped up when I head onto the court," freshman Laura Holm said. "There comes a point when it's all instinct out there." \nComing from the starting setter who has put up 656 assists and thrown in 43 kills, it seems like her numbers support her gut reaction. Referred to as quiet and very friendly by her fellow teammates, Holm makes sure she is heard loud and clear when she dons her IU jersey.\n"Laura makes the biggest transformation on and off court that I have seen the entire season," Weismiller said. "She commands the ball, and just by watching her you know this girl wants to win bad." \nWeismiller also added that freshman Carrie Deal provides the best support and energy to the team, citing her energetic presence both in the game and from the sidelines. Nevertheless, it is senior Rachel Gerling who makes the biggest on-court impression on the team.\n"(Gerling) got Defensive Big Ten Player of the Week. That's such a big deal because it's a first," Allison said. "She's so laid-back and calm in person, but she's got fire and intensity when she hits."\nAllison's claim is backed by Gerling's stat line thus far, racking up 177 digs, 40 aces, 37 assists and 173 kills for IU. Added to the willpower of contenders such as Annie Moddrell, Mandy Eberle, Erica Short and Lauren Ditteon, the cream and crimson have a strong lineup to rely on throughout the season. \n"The girls definitely have confident conduct," Weismiller said. "We aim for specific spots on the court and use position rotations to get the best shots." \nAllison added that going into a game they know who the power players are on the opposition. It is not just about using force to make points, but about sizing others up and determining what their strategy is first. She concluded by saying if the competition burns you once at home, they get your glory, and that should never happen.\n"We assess (the opponent's) gaps and attack weaker players," Holm said. "Sometimes you've got to fake it until you make it, but once you've got it, the confidence stays with you."\nThe Hoosiers will play host to No. 9 Minnesota at 7 p.m. tonight in the University Gym, and continue against Iowa at 7 p.m. Saturday.