While the Indiana Hoosiers football team has some time off before their playoff match, Indiana volleyball is heading into one of the biggest weeks in program history. After sweeping the fifth-seeded Colorado Buffaloes (25-20, 25-17, 25-23) at Wilkinson Hall on Friday, Dec. 5, the Hoosiers secured their spot in the Sweet 16 for only the second time ever. Their lone previous trip came in 2010 when they fell 3-0 to USC.
Indiana has climbed to new heights this season and continues to show no signs of slowing down. The win over Colorado featured a strong defensive presence with 11 total blocks, led by senior middle Madi Sell. Colorado battled to stay within reach but could never turn the momentum in its favor.
Freshman outside hitter Jaidyn Jager once again proved why she has become such an important piece of Indiana’s attack. She finished with 15 kills while hitting .375, her eighth match of the season with at least 15 kills. Her performance also pushed her to third all time among IU freshmen in single season kills with 374. On top of her great performance, senior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles delivered one of the best matches of her career and racked up 16 kills at a .556 clip. She also added six digs, three assists and two blocks, giving Indiana a dependable all-around boost that helped close out the sweep.
The challenge now becomes even tougher. Indiana’s next opponent is the top seeded Texas Longhorns, a team that has been dominant from the start of the season. Texas enters the Sweet 16 at 25-3 and has swept half of its opponents. Their offense has been both explosive and efficient behind junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford, who averages 4.74 kills per set with 488 total kills. Her consistency and efficiency make her one of the most dangerous hitters in college volleyball.
Texas, however, is far from a one player show. Freshman outside hitter Cari Spears has quickly made her mark with 3.28 kills per set and 338 total kills. Her athletic background runs deep as the daughter of former NFL defensive lineman and national champion Marcus Spears. Freshman outside hitter Abby Vander Wal adds another offensive spark and averages 2.65 kills per set with 268 kills. Ayden Ames provides yet another strong option in a deep and balanced Longhorn attack.
The distribution behind all that firepower comes from junior setter Ella Swindle, who keeps the Texas offense running at a high tempo and allows their hitters to stay in rhythm. Even with their top seed status, the Longhorns do have areas Indiana can target. Blocking has not been a standout strength for Texas as they average 2.13 blocks per set while their opponents average 2.35. Texas also experiences stretches of mid match errors, which could give the Hoosiers opportunities to steal momentum.
Indiana’s own defensive presence could play a major role. The Hoosiers average 2.45 blocks per set and hold opponents to just 1.81 blocks per set. Their combination of physicality at the net and disciplined defensive reads has carried them all season.
Offensively, Indiana has multiple reliable scoring threats. Alonso-Corcelles continues to lead with 3.54 kills per set. Opposite hitter Avry Tatum adds 3.21 kills per set, giving the Hoosiers a steady veteran presence on both pins. Jager’s emergence has elevated the offense even further as she enters the Sweet 16 averaging 3.4 kills per set with 374 total kills. Freshman setter Teodora Kričković has been the backbone of Indiana’s system and recently earned AVCA Midwest Region Freshman of the Year honors. She averages 10.67 assists per set with 1174 total assists and continues to show poise well beyond her age.
This upcoming matchup will be one of Indiana’s toughest tests of the season. However, if the Hoosiers can disrupt Texas with their blocking, capitalize on Longhorn errors and stay composed on both ends, they have a real chance to push for the program’s first ever Elite Eight appearance. The match will take place in Austin, Texas on Friday, Dec. 12 at Noon EST. Indiana is not ready to see its season end and the Hoosiers plan to fight for every point.