On Dec. 7, junior guard Henna Sandvik recorded a career high 30 minutes off the bench in Indiana women’s basketball’s 15-point victory over Penn State. Sandvik’s play was highlighted by strong defense and understanding her role when the Hoosiers picked up their first Big Ten win on the season.
On Sunday, Sandvik had another career day, this time highlighted by her scoring. She scored a career-high 13 points off the bench for Indiana in its 95-61 win over Bellarmine University inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. She was one of seven Hoosiers to score in double figures against the Knights.
“You just have to keep working hard every single day and trust the process, like your time will come,” Sandvik said postgame. “I think seeing the start of this season, seeing Lilly be amazing, like she has been improving so much, that helped me also believe in myself like yeah, I can do that too; If she’s done great, why not me?”
Indiana head coach Teri Moren complimented Sandvik’s work ethic after each back-to-back career performances.
“I think about Henna and the game that she had today and just how happy I am for her,” Moren said after the win over Bellarmine. “Because this is a kid, and you guys have heard me say it, when I tell you this kid is in the gym all the time, every day, just working on her game. It’s amazing. It’s not that hard of a recipe –– you work, you get the results that you want. Today, I’m so excited for Henna and the way she was able to see that thing go in.”
Coming off the bench for the Hoosiers, Sandvik was 4 for 6 from the field, which included three 3-pointers. But Sandvik also continued her strong defensive efforts Sunday. She recorded two blocks and helped the Hoosiers hold the Knights to 40% from the field.
“Your confidence can only come from your work first,” Moren said. “As I’ve stated, she’s a worker. Here as of late with Syd (Parrish) going down, we’ve all seen Henna’s minutes increase.”
Moren said Indiana has valued and relied on Sandvik’s efforts on both sides of the ball throughout the season, but once again emphasized that Sandvik’s defense is what makes her a good player.
Sandvik’s increase in minutes has come after injuries affected the Hoosiers’ depth at the guard position. Indiana has dealt with injuries throughout the season, including left knee injuries to both sophomore guard Lenee Beaumont and graduate student guard Sydney Parrish.
“I think it’s just obviously we’re missing Syd right now so everybody else has to step up,” Sandvik said. “But just focusing on the small things –– rebounding, bringing in energy –– so I think that has been working for me real well.”
While Moren anticipates Parrish to return next week, Sandvik’s minutes may decrease. But she has proven she can be ready when Moren and the Hoosiers need her.
“I think any time you have adversity the way we’ve had it, other people have to step up and their roles change,” Moren said. “We talk about that a lot. You always have to be on the edge of your seat ready when your number is called.”
Indiana continues its season against Oakland University at noon Dec. 22 inside of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Follow reporters Dalton James (@DaltonMJames) and Savannah Slone (@savrivers06) and columnist Ryan Canfield (@RyanCanfieldOnX) for updates throughout the Indiana women’s basketball season.
