Sophomore gunning for starting role

As the IU women's volleyball season winds down, competition for the six starting positions is sure to heat up.\nThe Hoosiers head to the Great Lakes State this weekend to play Michigan and Michigan State, and IU coach Katie Weismiller is intent on expanding her repertoire of players. And lately, a dark horse has emerged to earn her share of court time. Sophomore outside hitter Gabrielle Allison has contributed more than just kills to the Hoosier scoreboard. Her conditioning and fervid work ethic has recently had Allison flirting with the starting lineup.\n"She's what we call a 'do-er,'" said assistant coach Matt Affolder. "Gabby attempts to get better every second she plays in here. She's got the attitude and the ability to put the ball away."\nEarning 1.53 points every game, 1.23 coming from kills, Allison has been able to carry her weight against senior Rachel Gerling (3.19 kills per game) and freshman Erica Short (3.44 kills per game). With the sixth highest block total of 36 and an additional 35 digs to her title thus far, Allison's coaches are taking notice of the improvement.\n"Gabby's like our seventh player," Weismiller said. "She can play any spot we put her in. She steps up, we give her demands and she goes and carries them out." \nAffolder added that Allison has become a reliable player because of her attentiveness at a moment's notice. She can make kills, he said, and score on specific plays that give the Hoosiers stronger options.\nSheer determination might not be the only motivation for Allison. Weismiller cited the flexibility of the team's bench and the expanse of the roster as an incentive to make the team work harder throughout practice. She hopes the opportunity to play during competitive games can fuel each player's desire to succeed. \nFor the Hoosiers, that list includes scrappy ball-handling from defenders such as junior Sara Diehl and freshman Hana Ros, communication from freshman setters Laura Holm and Jessica Batliner and timely execution at the hands of sophomore Lauren Ditteon, Short, Gerling and senior Mandy Eberle. As for Allison, she acknowledges her dynamism comes from believing in herself.\n"I know I can be powerful," she said. "I'm confident with my slides in practice and in games, although I think I block best."\nIU will hit the road this weekend as it gets set to face off with Michigan at 7 p.m. Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich., and Michigan State at 7 p.m. Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. The Hoosiers hope to earn two wins and even their series against the Spartans, while pulling a season sweep versus the Wolverines.