Boilers, Crusaders look for first win

By Doug Healey
Assistant Sports Editor

Both the Purdue and Valparaiso women's volleyball teams are looking for their first win of the season.

At 7 tonight, one team will get its first victory, as Purdue plays on the road against the Crusaders (0-6), a team the Boilers beat 15-13, 15-10 and 15-12 last year.

"We're hungry for a win," said senior outside hitter Maegan Petersen. "We've been working hard and our team is prepared. We've made some final tune-ups so everything is in tip-top shape."

Even though his team is still winless, Purdue coach Jeff Hulsmeyer said his players have the right attitude.

"It's easy to get discouraged when you don't win in the beginning, but we're just focused on getting better," said Hulsmeyer. "Playing tough opponents is going to prepare us for the Big Ten season.

The third-year coach said his team can't worry about how Valparaiso plays.

"We really have to stay focused on our execution and what we do when we have the ball in our hands," he said. "That's what we can control. We can't try to change a lot. We have to make slow and steady progress, play at our pace and put the pressure on our opponent."

Hulsmeyer said the Boilers have been blocking well at the net, but they need to play better defense and receive serves more consistently, a problem that has allowed Purdue's opponents to score several points in a row.

Petersen said the team needs to be more focused.

"Intensity is the key thing," said Petersen. "We've been lacking it in practice and especially in the games. If we have that, it'll definitely help."

Scoring quickly will be important for the Boilers, said Hulsmeyer.

"Valpo likes to play defense, so we need to terminate the ball as quick as possible, either by blocking or putting our hitters in a position where they can swing away," he said.

The Crusaders are coached by Becky Madden, a former Purdue volleyball player. Hulsmeyer said he's looking forward to coaching against her.

"I respect her very much," he said. "She runs a great program and I know they are going to be ready for us. If there's any pressure, it's probably her wanting to show her alma mater that she's doing all right in her new spot."

Although the Boilermakers have started the season with six straight losses, the worst start in the program's 26-year history, Hulsmeyer said they can still turn the season around.

"We're still just two weeks into the season," he said. "There are a lot of games in front of us. If we stay focused on the things that will help us win, instead of whether we win or not, we are going to be successful."

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