Volleyball wins Valparaiso Popcorn Classic, goes 3-0 on weekend

The volleyball team is now 7-2 after going into the Valparaiso Popcorn Classic this past weekend and coming out with three wins and no losses. The sweep consisted of wins over Marshall, Valparaiso and Western Michigan.\nThe first match against Marshall on Friday ended in a 3-1 victory for the Hoosiers. IU took the first game of the match with a come-from-behind win after trailing 21-25. After taking game two 30-27, the Hoosiers struggled in game three with 15 total errors and lost 22-30. Looking to win the match in game four, freshman outside hitter Taylor Wittmer stepped up in the fourth game by putting up seven kills, including the match-ender. \nLater that day, the Hoosiers faced off against Valparaiso. IU swept the Crusaders with final scores of 30-22, 30-23 and 30-25. In game one, Valparaiso tied the match at 20-20 when IU went on a run, taking 10 of the last 12 points to win the game 30-22. IU never looked back, as they triumphed in the second and third games, earning the match victory against the \ntournament hosts. \nWestern Michigan was IU’s opponent Saturday in the final match of the tournament for the Hoosiers. The Broncos came out with determination and were far from easy, but the Hoosiers pulled off the win in four games. The Hoosiers dominated the first game as they won 30-17 and at one point led the game by 14 points. IU took the second game 30-22 and dropped game three 26-30. Freshman setter Mara Hilgenberg contributed to game four as she provided an impressive 19 assists. The fourth game ended when junior outside hitter Erica Short delivered two consecutive kills to give the Hoosiers the 33-31 win and the tournament sweep.\nWittmer received the honor of being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and was also named to the all-tournament team. Sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Hall was also named to the all-tournament team for her play over the weekend. \nThe Hoosiers will now begin preparing for their home opener this weekend as they host the IU adidas Classic. IU will face East Tennessee State, North Carolina Central and St. John’s at the University Gym beginning Friday.