Volleyball looks to bounce back against Illinois, Northwestern

After losses on the road last week at Ohio State and Penn State, the IU volleyball team will look to get back on track this weekend when it travels to Illinois and Northwestern.

“They have to be checked in right now; if they’re checked out, then we’re not really going anywhere,” IU Coach Sherry Dunbar said. “We talked a lot about understanding the big picture of playing here, and it’s not acceptable to not be checked in every day.

"These seniors have put in a lot of effort into this program over four years, and they deserve that.”

IU (9-16, 1-13) will take on No. 25 Illinois (12-12, 8-6) Friday. Illinois, according to Dunbar, may be the hottest team in the Big Ten right now, as it has won its last three matches.

“They’ve been on a really big roll lately,” Dunbar said. “They’re very tough to beat at home. They have a great student section, and a great crowd, and it’s always tough to play there.”

Both Dunbar and several players also mentioned that the Illinois offense is a fairly basic style and easier to prepare for strategically, but it is a very good offense.

“It’s much easier to read, but defending it is a whole different story,” Dunbar said.

The Fighting Illini are led by sophomore Jocelynn Birks with 369 kills and 210 digs.
They are led in digs by senior Jennifer Beltran with 392. Sophomore Alexis Vilunas leads Illinois in assists with 916 and also has 235 digs.

“Both teams have had great seasons,” IU senior libero and captain Caitlin Hansen said. “I think Illinois, our strategy can match up with their strategy. Northwestern, we match up better physically.”

Northwestern (14-12, 6-8) will play host to IU Sunday afternoon. The last time these two teams met, the Wildcats came out with a victory in five sets.

“Especially with Northwestern, after the tough loss the first time we went to five, we really wanted to come back and prove that we were meant to win that game,” IU sophomore middle blocker Awele Nwaeze said. “I feel like the key to winning is focusing on our team. Stay settled and communicate and focus on our game plan.”

Northwestern is led by senior Stephanie Holthus who has 419 kills and 278 digs. Sophomore Caroline Neidospial is the team leader in digs with 448, and freshman Caleigh Ryan leads the Wildcats in assists with 1,068.

“Stephanie Holthus from Northwestern is a senior, their only senior, and is one of the best outside hitters in the country,” Dunbar said.

This will also be IU’s first game since it officially signed recruit Jessica Leish, an outside hitter from Wyoming High School in Ohio, on signing day this past Wednesday.

“6-foot-2, six rotation player, just a great all-around kid,” Dunbar said. “She’s a direct admit to the Kelley School of Business, so obviously very smart. (She’s) just a really fluid kind of athlete and has the size that we want on a pin. She is someone that is very determined and is super excited about coming to Indiana.”

Follow reporter Andrew Vailliencourt on Twitter @AndrewVcourt.