For the first time in his eight years leading the program, head coach Steve Aird is headed to the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament. For the first time since 2010, Indiana Volleyball is back in the field and enters as the 4th seed. After falling to No. 1 Nebraska last week, the Hoosiers responded with authority, sweeping Illinois 3-0. They carried that momentum into their regular season finale against No. 11 Purdue, where they battled through four competitive sets but ultimately fell 1-3 (17-25, 19-25, 26-24 and 20-25).
Despite dropping two matches to their in-state rival, Indiana closed the regular season with a 23-7 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play, the best season in program history. The finish also secured their first top five placement in the conference standings since 1999. Aird has constructed a roster that has delivered one breakthrough moment after another. From upset victories on the West Coast to Aird’s emotional homecoming win over No. 19 Penn State, the Hoosiers have crafted a season that will be remembered for years.
Senior opposite hitter Avry Tatum has been a driving force all season, reaching double digit kills in 21 matches. Senior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles has been just as steady, not only this year but throughout her entire career. Her 75th career win, secured against Illinois on Wednesday, officially made her the winningest player in the program’s NCAA era. While Indiana’s veterans have provided the backbone of the roster, it is the explosive freshman class that has often stolen the spotlight.
Freshman outside hitter Jaidyn Jager has been a standout from the moment she stepped on the court. She leads the team in digs with 2.22 per set and ranks second in total points with 405.5, just behind Alonso-Corcelles’ 419.5. Setter Teodora Kričković has been equally impressive. She enters the postseason ranked eighth nationally in assists per set with 10.80, the highest mark among freshmen in the country. With a deep pool of talented newcomers and a core of seasoned veterans, Indiana has built a roster prepared to compete now and in the future.
For the moment, IU’s focus turns completely to the NCAA Tournament. The Hoosiers enter as the 4th seed and will host the Toledo Rockets at Wilkinson Hall later this week. It is shaping up to be an electric few days in Bloomington. Indiana volleyball opens its tournament run on Thursday, December 4 at approximately 5:30 p.m. The following day, Colorado will face American University, also at Wilkinson Hall. Saturday, December 6 caps off a packed sports weekend with Indiana basketball taking on Louisville and Indiana football meeting Ohio State in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Title.