Indiana volleyball is gearing up for its regular-season home finale against the top-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers. The matchup promises to be a formidable challenge for the 17th-ranked Hoosiers, who hold a record of 22 wins and 5 losses, including 13 victories in the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska, undefeated with a remarkable 27-0 season, has achieved 22 match sweeps to date.
NCAA Impact and Rankings
The Hoosiers are aiming to secure a top-16 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Their recent performance has been solid, with an 8-2 record since the NCAA selection committee ranked them 14th in the top-16 standings on October 18. Currently, IU ranks 14th in the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). A successful outcome in their final regular-season matches against Illinois and rival Purdue could bolster their hosting prospects for the NCAA tournament’s opening rounds.
Match Overview
As the match unfolds, Nebraska has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities. The Cornhuskers initially fell behind but quickly regrouped to move ahead, showcasing a powerful attack. Key players for Nebraska included Virginia Adriano, leading with six kills, and Harper Murray, contributing five kills. The Hoosiers have relied on seniors Candela Alonso-Corcells and Madi Sell, both of whom recorded three kills.
Set Scores
- Set 1: Nebraska 25, Indiana 19
- Set 2: Nebraska 4, Indiana 2 (as of early in the set)
Player Highlights
Candela Alonso-Corcells has been particularly active, making significant plays including a few kills. Madi Sell also played well, marking a block against Nebraska, while freshman Jaidyn Jager has shown promise despite some challenges in attack efficiency.
Game Day Details
The match was held at Wilkinson Hall, where it attracted significant local attention and a sold-out crowd. Doors opened at 4:30 p.m. for fans eager to experience the showdown. Ticket prices reflected high demand, with listings reaching $157 in some secondary markets.
Viewing Information
Fans who want to catch the action have the option to stream the match live on B1G+. A subscription to B1G+ costs $89.99 per year or $12.99 monthly. For those only interested in the Indiana versus Nebraska match, a one-time fee of $5.99 is available.
Senior Night Celebrations
This match also highlighted senior night celebrations for the Hoosiers, where senior players received recognition for their contributions to the team. Candela Alonso-Corcells, a standout player hailing from Spain, was particularly honored, experiencing the playing of her national anthem before the match commenced.
As the game progresses, the Hoosiers and their fans remain hopeful of a strong performance against the national powerhouse Nebraska, which has consistently proven to be a formidable opponent in the Big Ten. All eyes are on this thrilling matchup as Indiana seeks to assert itself in the college volleyball landscape.
