Oct. 29, 1999
By DaVida Smtih
WEST LAFAYETE, Ind. - Indiana defeated Purdue 15-12, 13-15, 15-4, 15-5 tonight to pick up its first season sweep of the Boilermakers since 1995. Purdue falls to 12-8 (4-7 Big Ten), while the Hoosiers improve to 14-6 (5-6 Big Ten).
Purdue's statistics tell the story in the loss. Indiana outhit the Boilers .249 to .161, outdug them 74-60 and outblocked them 8-7. The Boilers recorded 30 attack errors, 10 reception errors and eight service errors for the night. First-year Purdue head coach Jeff Hulsmeyer blames the loss on lack of consistent play.
"We have to be able to stick to our guns," Hulsmeyer said. "Anytime you play at a higher level you have to come out playing consistently. We have struggled with that all season."
Indiana's defense also played a great part in Purdue's demise.
"Indiana played great defense," Hulsmeyer said. "We got frustrated and made too many mistakes. Indiana's defense was on a roll and we should have been ready to defend."
The Boilermakers got a big dose of that Hoosier defense in Game 1. Despite Purdue's early 3-0 advantage, Indiana quickly responded by putting together a 4-1 run to take the lead. Led by Ryann Connors, Amanda Welter and Cydryce Carter, who all recorded five kills, the Hoosiers continued on that pace, scoring 10 points to Purdue's eight down the stretch to win 15-12. Game 2 seemed as if it would be a repeat for Indiana, as it embarked on a 4-0 run. But Purdue junior Julie Doud began a Boilermaker comeback with a kill followed by three Hoosier errors, that brought Purdue back in the game 4-4. The Old Gold and Black would go on a 4-1 run after that, bringing the score to 8-5, but the score was knotted again at 9-9 moments later. Three more errors by Indiana keyed a 6-4 Purdue run that led the Boilers to their 15-13 victory.
Purdue found it difficult to break into Game 3, as Indiana allowed the Boilers just seven kills on 40 attacks en route to a 15-4 win. The Hoosiers were able to turn the Boilers' early 3-1 lead into an 8-3 deficit. Indiana went on to score seven more points with little trouble to claim the win.
Unfortunately for Purdue, Indiana kept the momentum in Game 4. The Hoosiers hit at an outstanding .400 clip, while allowing the Boilers only .275. The Hoosier attack started early, beginning with a 9-2 run. Purdue could only muster three more points before Indiana scored six to close out the 15-5 win.
Amidst the darkness for the Boilermakers, senior setter Taryn Catlin achieved a small victory. Catlin recorded 50 assists, which allowed her to surpass Mary Fischl (4,116,1977-80) to become third on Purdue's all-time career assists list with 4,121. Senior Aneska Arosarena led Purdue with 16 kills, while classmate Sarah Emke contributed 15.
The Boilers will have to regroup for an Old Hallow's Eve match against No. 23 Illinois on Oct. 30 in the IAF. The Fighting Illini lost in three games at Wisconsin tonight. Hulsmeyer knows what his team needs to do.
"What we have to do now is get ready for tomorrow and come playing with a better passing game." The match will be broadcast live on WAZY (1410 AM) and www.purduesports.com. It will be Family and Friends Night, and in celebration of Halloween, fans are invited to come in costume.