Coming off two wins over Miami (Florida) and VCU to start the season this past weekend, Indiana came ready to play Thursday night, sweeping Southeast Missouri State (25-19, 25-18, 25-18) in its home opener at Wilkinson Hall.
The Hoosier offense led the way in the three-set sweep over the Redhawks. It was a game for the outside hitters as freshman Jaidyn Jager continued her powerful debut season with a team high of 20 kills. She’s the first IU freshman to accomplish this since Tommi Stockham in 2021. Adding to the accolades, Jager put the cherry on top by hitting .515 — the highest percentage in one match by an IU freshman in a minimum of 12 kills.
Even though Wilkinson Hall wasn’t sold out, the Cream and Crimson fans were loud and supportive, making for a welcoming home opener for the Hoosiers.
Indiana could feel the love in the stands from the fans as senior Candela Alonso-Corcelles had two back-to-back kills that would increase the lead by two in the first set. Senior opposite hitter Avry Tatum held down the Hoosiers first set win 25-19.
In the second set, SEMO came back for vengeance, holding a small lead most of the way but the strong start was no match for Jager’s rapid-fire aim. Adding yet another kill under her belt, she came back and secured a 25-18 win in the second set for the Hoosiers.
After an attack error from SEMO at the end, Indiana volleyball remained undefeated for another day, defeating the Redhawks 25-18 in the third set.
After joining the 1,000 kill club this past weekend, Alonso-Corcelles had one of the best performances of her career. Alonso-Corcelles contributed to the team’s hit percentage of .427% (53-9-103) by adding 14 kills to the mix and going .519 for the night.
Alonso-Corcelles wasn’t the only one adding her name to the IU volleyball record books this week. Head coach Steve Aird became the fourth coach in IU program history to obtain 100 wins and in only eight seasons. Since 2022, Aird has led the team to 55 wins and a 29-13 record in Wilkinson Hall.
The Hoosiers look to defend their undefeated season against Northern Kentucky University at 10 a.m. Eastern Time Friday as they host their annual Indiana Invitational in Wilkinson.
