EVANSTON, Ill. – A dominant performance in the final two sets propelled indiana University volleyball to a 3-1 victory over Northwestern on Wednesday night, marking the program’s first win in Evanston as 2016 and a strong start to big Ten play. Freshman outside hitter Jaidyn Jager and senior opposite hitter Avry Tatum led the Hoosiers’ offensive charge, combining for 31 of the team’s 68 kills.
Indiana overcame a first-set setback to secure the win, fueled by a significant defensive turnaround and key contributions from multiple players. The victory represents the 29th conference win for the Hoosiers as the beginning of 2022 and the first time winning a Big Ten opener since 2023, and a road Big Ten opener since 2007 against Iowa.
Jager stepped up when IU needed it most, delivering 11 kills across the final two sets, including seven in the decisive third. this performance marked the third time this season she has recorded at least 15 kills in a match, finishing the night with 17 kills, 9 digs, and 2 blocks. Tatum added 14 kills with a .360 hitting percentage.
Senior outside hitter Candela Alonso-Corcelles (13 kills,12 digs) and freshman setter Teodora Kričković (47 assists,10 digs) both recorded double-doubles in the win. It was the 16th career double-double for Alonso-Corcelles and the first for kričković. IU finished with 56 digs, led by 12 from Alonso-Corcelles, with nine players recording at least one dig.
The Hoosiers are now 20-7 over the last three seasons when both Alonso-Corcelles and Tatum each record 10-or-more kills in the same match. IU is 6-0 this season when Jager, Alonso-Corcelles, and Tatum each provide at least 10 kills apiece, combining for 44 kills on Wednesday. Alonso-Corcelles has recorded double-digit kills in 38 of her 61 Big Ten contests at IU.
Top Hoosier Performers
Jaidyn Jager, #24: 17 kills, 9 digs, 2 blocks
audrey Jackson, #5: 11 digs, 9 assists
Avry Tatum, #13: 14 kills, .360 hitting percentage
