BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana volleyball dropped two consecutive Big Ten matches against Nebraska and USC, falling to the top-ranked Cornhuskers on Thursday night before losing to the Trojans on Sunday.
Thursday night featured the first-ever top-20 matchup at Wilkinson Hall, as No. 1 Nebraska traveled from Lincoln to face the No. 15 Hoosiers. Despite a strong offensive performance against one of the country’s top defenses, Indiana could not keep pace with the Cornhuskers.
Sophomore outside hitter Jaidyn Jager and junior middle blocker Ella Boersema led Indiana with nine kills apiece, while Nebraska’s Harper Murray finished with 11 kills.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Wilkinson Hall, the Hoosiers fell in three sets, 25-15, 25-19, 25-19. The loss ended Indiana’s unbeaten home start and set up another challenging matchup against USC on Sunday.
The Hoosiers looked to bounce back Sunday but fell short. The Trojans relied on a strong performance from their middle blockers to secure the sweep.
Jager led Indiana with 11 kills, while Avry Tatum added seven. Sophomore setter Teodora Krickovic finished with 31 assists and 10 digs, and middle blocker Kiki Granberry contributed six kills.
USC’s Leah Ford and Mia Tvrdy combined for 18 kills with just one attacking error. The Trojans finished with 42 kills, 10 blocks and a .277 hitting percentage, compared with Indiana’s 40 kills, eight blocks and a .206 hitting percentage.
Indiana’s efforts came up short as the Hoosiers were swept, 26-24, 25-19, 25-22. The loss marked Indiana’s second consecutive defeat at Wilkinson Hall and left the Hoosiers looking to regain their footing as Big Ten play continues on the road against Oregon on Oct. 16 before facing Washington on Oct. 18.
