Team attempts to snap streak against Valpo

By Greg Conner
Staff Writer

At 7 tonight, the Purdue volleyball team will try to snap its six-match losing streak, as it plays a non-conference match at Valparaiso.

"Our goals remain the same and improvement is the key for us," said Purdue coach Jeff Hulsmeyer. "We just need to keep focused and, if we do, improvement is inevitable."

One Boilermaker the team will rely on for leadership is senior outside hitter Maegan Petersen. Petersen, who had eight digs against Illinois last Friday, has been the Boilers' most consistent player.

"We’re looking for a win, and any games coming up are going to be intense," said Petersen, who leads the team with 133 kills and 141 digs this season.

Another player that must elevate her level of play in order for the team to be successful is freshman Lyndsey Phillips, second on the team with 128 kills. Phillips, who is already showing great promise for the future in her first season, said she hopes to continue to improve at the middle hitter position as the season concludes.

Hulsmeyer said he likes his team’s chances at improvement.

"We have the talent, we just need to build on our opportunities," said Hulsmeyer. "The exciting thing for us is that we know it's in there. The thing that we are working on is getting that to show a little more often."

The team has been working hard to prepare since its losses to Illinois and Indiana last weekend.

Hulsmeyer was quick to point out how much more beneficial it will be for his team to be able to focus on one team at a time this week, as opposed to last weekend when the Boilers had games on consecutive days.

"Having to prepare for two teams isn’t what we normally have to do. This year we are the odd team, so Indiana played Illinois on Wednesday and had two extra days to prepare."

One positive the Boilers will be taking with them tonight is a healthy team, as freshman Leah Wischmeier will most likely make her second straight return to the starting lineup after being sidelined on Oct. 9 with an ankle injury.

"(Wischmeier) has really earned her spot in the staring lineup," said Hulsmeyer.

Despite the team's struggles this season, Petersen said the enthusiasm is still very much so alive within the team.

"We’re just hungry for a win," said Petersen.

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