Volleyball team anticipates home matchups

By Anne McLaren
Assistant Sports Editor

Fans will get a chance to attend Saturday’s volleyball match against No. 8 Minnesota for free if they attend the women’s basketball game against Eastern Michigan in the preseason WNIT.

"Saturday is going to be a huge day for sports here at Purdue," said volleyball coach Jeff Hulsmeyer. "We plan on trying to be there a little bit before our match to support the women’s basketball team. Moving (the tipoff time for the basketball game) back to 5:00 will make it easier for fans who support both sports to go to both sports. They’ll be able to go straight from the women’s basketball game to see some of the volleyball."

The Boilers (11-15, 3-11 Big Ten) are glad to return home to the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility. At 7 tonight, Purdue hosts Iowa (11-11, 7-7). On Sept. 23, the Hawkeyes defeated the Boilers 15-5, 15-8, 15-9 in Iowa City, Iowa.

"Iowa has probably been the surprise of the conference this year, really competing well," said Hulsmeyer. "One of the reasons for that is the Brazilian setter that they have … that really attacks well and has really diversified their offense quite a bit. They’ll be a very formidable opponent.

"Unfortunately, we found out the hard way when we were out in Iowa," he said. "We’re looking forward to getting them back here in West Lafayette. I feel very good about our chances against them."

The Gophers (23-2, 12-2) enter Saturday’s 7 p.m. matchup with Purdue in second-place in the conference, one game behind No. 4 Wisconsin (23-2, 13-1). On Sept. 22, Minnesota beat Purdue 15-8, 15-11, 15-8 in Minneapolis.

"Minnesota is probably one of the most physically gifted teams in the conference, top to bottom," said Hulsmeyer. "They have a very tall lineup; they are very athletic, particularly in their middle positions."

Minnesota coach Mike Hebert, in his fourth year at Minnesota, has been in the league for a long time.

"He’s certainly been through the wars of the conference," said Hulsmeyer. "He will definitely have his team well prepared to come in here. The good thing is he used to be at Illinois and they always struggled here at Purdue. So we’re hoping to keep that record against Mike as he brings the Minnesota team down."

Hulsmeyer said it is important for the team to win at home before it can hope to win on the road.

"Well, there’s no doubt about it," he said. "It’s a tremendous asset for us to play at home. Not only because of the great support that we receive from the fans, but also because they do have an impact on our team. Especially when you’re young it’s sometimes hard to get the momentum going on your side. When you get down, it’s easy to let that roll for a couple of points before you turn it around.

"When you’re at home you do have the benefit of the fans there to help pick you up."

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Sports editor: Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editors: Anne McLaren, Keith Thomas

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