Indiana used a balanced offensive attack and dominant pitching to defeat Purdue in game two of the weekend 5-1, on Saturday at Andy Mohr Field, clinching the rivalry series.
Purdue struck first in the opening inning when power hitter Anna Moore stepped up and launched a home run over the right field wall for a 1-0 lead.
Indiana wasn’t intimidated.
“We wanted to be calm, confident and convicted today,” head coach Shonda Stanton said. “They got the solo home run in the first inning, we stayed calm, and we answered right away.”
The Hoosiers did just that in the bottom half. Aly VanBrandt drew a leadoff walk and later scored on a line drive down the left field line off the loud bat of Josie Bird to tie the game at one.
Indiana took control in the second inning behind its team signature – timely hitting. Brooke Mannon and Cassidy Kettleman each reached base before VanBrandt delivered again this series, driving a two-RBI single to left field to give the Hoosiers a 3-1 lead.
VanBrandt finished the game with three RBIs, continuing what Stanton described as a steady presence in the lineup.
“VanBrandt continues to be VanBrandt and be trusted,” Stanton said.
The Hoosiers added insurance in the third inning through disciplined at-bats and aggressive baserunning. After putting two runners in scoring position, Indiana loaded the bases and pushed across a run when Kettleman was hit by a pitch. VanBrandt followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to a confident, 5-1 lead.
While Indiana didn’t have their usual explosive inning, the Hoosiers consistently applied pressure, finishing the game with 12 total hits and multiple hard-hit balls throughout the course of the game.
“We’re always looking to hit the ball hard,” Kettleman said. “Gap-to-gap, just trying to hit it where they’re not.”
That approach showed up across the lineup, particularly from the bottom half, which helped turn things over for Indiana’s top hitters.
“My thought is just get on base,” Kettleman said. “I know that they’re going to hit me in.”
In the circle, Indiana’s pitching staff took over after the first inning. Starter Aubree Hooks was relieved by Taylor Hess in the third, and Hess dominated the remainder of the game.
The left-hander allowed just one hit while striking out six across 4.2 innings, shutting down any momentum Purdue tried to build.
Indiana’s pitching effort was even more notable given it held Purdue’s Moriah Polar — who entered the series leading the nation in batting average — hitless for the second straight game.
“She did an incredible job,” Stanton said. “That was amazing… our pitchers are starting to embrace their role.”
Indiana’s defense backed that effort, despite a pair of runners being thrown out at the plate that limited additional scoring. The Hoosiers remained aggressive throughout, something Stanton said won’t change.
“We’re always going to be aggressive,” Stanton said. “We’re going to hunt the next 60 feet.”
The game ended fittingly with a defensive highlight, as Kettleman made a diving catch in left field to secure the final out.
“It’s one of those things you dream of as a kid,” Kettleman said. “When everybody’s screaming and you finally get to go catch that ball—it’s awesome.”
With the win, Indiana reached the 30-win mark and continued to build momentum in Big Ten play. The Hoosiers credited their confidence and cohesion as key factors in their recent success.
“We always know that we can beat anybody,” Kettleman said. “And playing together makes a big difference.”
Indiana looks to complete the rivalry sweep as they will face off in the series finale this Sunday at Andy Mohr Field with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.
