Losing streak now 10 games for volleyball

The IU volleyball team had a different script to the same ending. IU volleyball (8-11, 0-8) lost another two games this weekend at home against two Big Ten opponents.

After winning eight of the first 10 games this season, the Hoosiers have lost their last 10.

On Friday, No. 24 Ohio State (14-6, 4-3) defeated IU in four sets, 25-16, 23-25, 25-12 and 26-24, at University Gym.

Emily Danks, OSU junior outside hitter, led both sides with 21 kills and played a crucial role, blocking in the Buckeyes’ front line defense. OSU finished with a .408 attack percentage to IU’s .137.

The Hoosiers were led by junior right-side hitter Kelci Marschall with 13 kills and junior outside hitter Ivie Obeime with 10 kills.

Senior libero Caitlin Cox recorded 19 digs, as well as one of the IU’s two serving aces in the game.

“Our communication was better, our effort was better,” Marschall said. “I think we were a whole lot more aggressive with everything.”

On Saturday, the same result was written into the record book, but this loss took
three sets.

No. 9 Penn State (14-6, 4-3) beat the Hoosiers in three sets, 25-18, 25-16 and 25-21.
The crowd showed up with good attendance, even with Hoosier Hysteria the same night.

“I was really happy with our crowd, even going against Hoosier Hysteria,” IU Coach Sherry Dunbar said.

Marschall had six kills in the game.

Junior middle blocker Samantha Thrower also added six kills.

“We really made Penn State play hard,” Dunbar said. “Every point was a mini-battle for them.”

So far, Big Ten play hasn’t been easy for the Hoosiers, and eight of the next 12 games are against ranked Big Ten opponents.

“Every game and every point is going to be a fight,” Marschall said. “The harder we work, the better we get.”

Dunbar discussed the game plan to improve at this point in the season.

“We need to win the battles in practice,” Dunbar said. “Also, we still need to find that potential, and there are still a lot of games left.”