MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Indiana University volleyball team (14-14, 3-11) dropped a match in Minneapolis Friday night, defeated by the No. 12 Minnesota Golden Gophers (18-7, 9-4), 25-15, 25-13, 25-15. Kelsey Hall was Indiana's top performer with eight kills, a .304 hitting percentage and seven digs. Caitlin Cox paced IU with 10 digs.
 
Hall brought her 'A' game in the opening set, finishing off five of 10 errorless swings for a smooth .500 hitting efficiency. She also dug two balls and successfully passed a pair of Minnesota serves. The Hoosiers other California native, Whitney Granado, was also locked-in early on. Granado tallied four digs, all of which were spectacular defensive efforts by the Riverside, Calif., product. The rest of the Hoosiers struggled, however, as the Golden Gophers recorded a 25-15 set winner.
 
Samantha Thrower was inserted into the line-up at middle blocker for set number two, and she instantly produced with kills on her first two swings. An ace by Laura Matula completed an 8-2 run for IU, putting the Cream and Crimson ahead 8-4. Indiana's edge remained at two points moments later, leading 12-10 before the wheels came off. Minnesota grabbed 15 of the next 16 points for a 25-13 triumph.
 
Freshman Shawn Hindman entered the match in the final frame, ripping three aggressive attacks. Her third attempt found pay dirt as she hit .333 in the set. The final score leaned in favor of Minnesota though, 25-15.
           
The Hoosiers are on the road next weekend, heading to the state of Michigan for matches against the Spartans and Wolverines.