IU volleyball falls to Wolverines in 3 games

Nov. 17 marked the final home game for three seniors on the IU volleyball team, as outside hitter Gabrielle Allison, right side Lauren Ditteon and middle blocker Annie Moddrell played their final match at the University Gym. But it was a bittersweet night, as the Hoosiers were defeated by Michigan 3-0 (30-21, 30-23, 30-24).\nThe Wolverines were the team responsible for starting the Hoosiers on their six-game losing streak earlier in the season, and IU came into the match looking to avenge an earlier 3-1 defeat. The Hoosiers were also trying to keep their slim hopes alive for a NCAA tournament bid, but the loss to Michigan leaves the Hoosiers with little chance of a postseason berth.\nIn game one, the Hoosiers (15-15, 6-12) were slow to start after getting down 5-1, 13-6 and 19-8 in the match en route to a 30-21 defeat. Nine of the Wolverines’ points came from Katie Bruzdzinski, who totaled nine kills and an impressive .353 hitting percentage. \nGame two was more competitive for the Hoosiers. After a kill from junior Erica Short, IU took the lead at the start of the game, 1-0. But the Hoosiers had to play from behind the rest of the game, never getting closer than four points at 14-10. Down 23-14, the Hoosiers went on a run, scoring the next three points and closing the gap to 23-17. However, after a Michigan time out, the Wolverines regained momentum to take a 25-17 lead and clinch the game 30-23.\nGame three was a back-and-forth battle, with eight lead changes and sixteen ties. Freshman middle blocker Taylor Wittmer sparked the Hoosiers in game three, coming off the bench with six kills. But that was not enough to slow Michigan. With IU down 25-23, the Wolverines took the next four points to push their lead to 29-23. After an IU point, Michigan took the next point to win the match 30-24. \nAlthough the outcome of Senior Night might not have been ideal, Allison said she will be trying to finish the season strong with two road games next weekend. \n“It is definitely bittersweet,” Allison said. “We have to try to remain positive. We still have two games next week, and we know we have the opportunity to \ngo 2-0.”\nFor Ditteon, who has played in every match since her freshman year, Saturday’s final home game was difficult to put \ninto words.\n“It’s really hard to walk off the court for the last time,” she said. “I am glad I got to have the experience.”\nThe Hoosiers received some good news Saturday night, as co-captain Juli Pierce, who is listed as a senior on the roster, will return for one more year with the Hoosiers. Pierce, a walk-on in 2004, did not play in 2005. In 2006, she received a scholarship and returned to the team. Having someone with her experience and leadership is something coach Sherry Dunbar is looking forward to next year. \n“This is huge,” she said. “I cannot tell you how excited I am to have Juli back next year. I am glad she wants to come back to be a leader and help with continuing in turning this program around.”