Newly refocused team to ‘fight for now’ after rough start

The women’s volleyball team took a step backward last weekend on the road against Minnesota and Iowa, putting them 1-5 in the Big Ten with only 14 matches left.

“We just didn’t show up,” said senior captain Erica Short. “We didn’t enter the building. I don’t know who played last weekend. It wasn’t an IU program at all.”

The Hoosiers’ main focus right now is Ohio State. IU will take on the Buckeyes at 7 p.m. Friday as part of Hoosier Hysteria.

Short said she is confident the Hoosiers can continue to carry a strong program.

“We have to make sure that each player is playing their best, and we’re not just staying in our comfort zones,” said sophomore middle Ashley Benson.

The Hoosiers will also take on Michigan at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Senior captain Juli Pierce said the Hoosiers expect to see an aggressive and scrappy Wolverines team. Pierce said communication and teamwork skills are going to be crucial if the Hoosiers want two Big Ten wins. 

“We really need to come together and play as a team, worry about each other, do things for each other, play for each other,” Pierce said.

Benson said a lack of communication and teamwork led to the team’s breakdown after losing 3-2 to Iowa  last Saturday.  

“Right after the Iowa game, confidence was very, very, very low,” Benson said. “I thought, ‘maybe it’s just not our year to go to the NCAA.’”

After last weekend, the Hoosiers have adjusted their team motto. Short said their past “Fight For 12” slogan has been replaced with “Fight For Now.”