Volleyball starts 10-0 for first time since 1999

As she said in the IU volleyball team’s interactive media guide on the IU Athletics website, senior middle blocker Ashley Benson is proud to be part of a rising program.

The Hoosiers’ recent rise shows in their 10-0 record, their best start since 1999.

IU recorded its third tournament victory of the season after beating all four of its weekend opponents in straight sets.

“We played well as a team,” junior setter Mary Chaudoin said. “We challenged ourselves to play at our potential.”

Benson hit at a .629 percentage while averaging 4.45 kills per set and also delivered 11 total blocks and 18 digs in the tournament.

The team began play with Robert Morris and Colgate on Friday.

“We played great, had good consistency and had a lot of fun out on the court,” Benson said.

The Hoosiers defeated Robert Morris, 25-16, 25-21 and 26-24 and then beat Colgate, 25-20, 25-10, and 25-17.

The Colonials were the only team to threaten to take a set from IU.

Benson delivered 25 kills and hit at a .488 hitting efficiency in the two matches.

Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Haverly also recorded 25 kills and added 15 digs and
four aces.

“We got better as the tournament went along because of our consistent effort and deep bench,” IU coach Sherry Dunbar said.

The Hoosiers finished play Saturday by beating Niagara, 25-18, 25-9, and 25-15 and downing Bucknell, 25-14, 25-10 and 25-18.

IU held three of its four opponents to 10 points or less in one set.

“The defense picked up, and we were more scrappy in certain games,” Chaudoin said.

IU’s 11 aces against Bucknell accounted for the Hoosiers’ highest number of aces in a three-set match since 1993.

“We have confidence in ourselves and worked really hard to play together over the
weekend,” Benson said.