Squad impresses in Tennessee over weekend

This weekend, the Hoosier volleyball team proved they could hold their own against elite competition, as they took two of three matches at the University of Tennessee Comcast Classic in Knoxville, Tenn., improving to 4-2 for the season. All three of the Hoosiers opponents this weekend advanced to the NCAA tournament last season. \n“We made baby steps this weekend,” IU coach Sherry Dunbar said. “This weekend, we played good quality teams with them all making the tournament last season.”\nIn their first match, the Hoosiers swept Belmont 3-0 (30-26, 30-21, 39-37). Junior outside hitter Erica Short led the offensive attack with 19 kills. Freshman middle blocker Ashley Benson had an impressive match, totaling 10 kills and adding five blocks.\nThe Hoosiers carried this momentum into their next match against Jacksonville State. Despite coming out a bit lethargic and falling down 2-0 after two games, the squad never gave up and rallied back to win the final three games to take the match 3-2 (26-30, 26-30, 32-30, 30-23, 15-8). \n“Coming back after being down 0-2 in the Jacksonsville State game is sort of a milestone for us,” Dunbar said. “It was a good comeback.”\nThis improved the team to 4-1, and gave them a chance to take the tournament title in their final match against \nhost Tennessee. \nSenior right side Lauren Ditteon had an impressive all-around game, totaling 12 kills, 12 digs, eight blocks, two assists and a service ace. Benson once again made her presence felt for the Hoosiers, racking up 14 kills and adding six blocks.\nIn the pivotal fifth game, the Hoosier offense had an impressive .533 hitting percentage. Short had an impressive string herself in that last match. She recorded four kills on four swings, and also added two digs to bring her total to 15.\nFor the second time in consecutive weekends, the Hoosier women came into their last match of the weekend with a chance to take a tournament crown. And for the second straight weekend, they got swept in the final match, this week to Tennessee.\nAfter falling behind 10-23 in game one, the Tennessee team never looked backed as they swept the Hoosiers 0-3 (20-30, 22-30, 26-30). The loss meant the Hoosiers finished second out of five teams. \nLeading the team offensively was Short, an all tournament team honoree. Short recorded 12 kills against Tennessee. Benson also earned all-tournament team accolades due to her stellar performance over the weekend. \nBenson’s play earned praise from Dunbar, as did the performance of two freshmen, setter Mara Hilgenberg and outsider hitter Taylor Wittmer. \n“Benson looked much better this weekend; she was a lot more animated on the court,” Dunbar said. \nDunbar added that the three freshmen are all getting good game experience.\nThe Hoosiers are back in action next weekend at the Valparaiso (University) Tournament held Sept. 7-8 in Valparaiso, Ind. IU is scheduled to play Marshall, Western Michigan and host Valparaiso in the tournament.