Hoosiers welcome Illini, Boilermakers

The IU women's volleyball team will welcome Illinois and Purdue this weekend in a battle with Big Ten rivals. The Boilers come into the match ranked No. 17, but the Hoosiers say they are ready for their in-state rival.\n"Purdue will be tough, especially with the enlistment of their solid freshman," assistant coach Matt Affolder said. "They might be difficult to defend, so this will really bring out passion between us and our biggest in-state rival."\nThe Hoosiers will look to pick up two victories with strong blocking, slides, angled kills and solid delivery. Although a lack of communication has been a weakness for the team in the past, IU head coach Katie Weismiller said the team will come out fired up.\n"We're working on intensity," Weismiller said. "We drill them on it, but in the end it's all about them getting it done on their own. They've got to be motivated right there on the court."\nThe Hoosiers will look to return the Monon Spike, the traveling trophy between the two teams, to Bloomington.\n"The Monon Spike match is always exciting," senior Rachel Gerling said in a statement. "There is some pressure, but mostly just excitement because of the match. Everyone is a big one for us, but having that title is important."\nLast season, the Hoosiers suffered 3-0 conference losses to both Illinois and Purdue, but with preparation, IU is hoping to settle the score.\n"Illinois has had some injuries this season, but they have two or three of the top offensive hitters in the Big Ten," Affolder said. "This weekend we're going to rely a lot on our outsides to carry us over. I think the mental aspect of it is so big that we can count on the rivalry status to give us an emotional lift." \nOne of the keys to IU's power is senior Mandy Eberle. With 1.47 blocks per game, Eberle is ranked third in the Big Ten. In addition, Gerling has recorded 3.01 digs per game and also leads the Hoosiers with a .59 serving ace average. Freshman Erica Short has also been an offensive force for the Hoosiers, averaging .382 kills per game and scoring 328 points total this season. But, statistics aside, the players say it will all come down to their mindsets.\n"We've got a lot of energy and we're coming in with attitude," sophomore Gabrielle Allison said. "When it comes to this weekend against Illinois and especially Purdue, all I'm thinking is, 'I want to show you what I've got,' and put the ball down."\nThe Hoosiers will take on the Boilermakers at 7 p.m. Friday and Illinois at 7 p.m. Saturday at the University Gym.