Indianapolis, IND – In the highly anticipated Monon Spike Match, held before a massive crowd of 6,477 fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the No. 12 Purdue Boilermakers (14-3, 5-2 BIG TEN) overcame a spirited challenge from the No. 22 Indiana Hoosiers (14-3, 5-2 BIG TEN) to win in four sets (25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21). The victory secured the rivalry trophy for Purdue and continued head coach Dave Shondell’s remarkable dominance in the series. Purdue’s balanced attack and superior blocking proved the difference, as they finished the night with 11 total blocks and a potent team hitting percentage of $.293$.

➡️  Battle for the Monon Spike photos

Purdue established the tone early in the match, using their front-line defense to stifle Indiana’s fast-paced offense in the opening frame. The Boilermakers recorded five blocks in the first set alone, leading to a comfortable 25-19 victory. However, the Hoosiers, playing in front of a heavily pro-IU Indianapolis crowd, responded with significant intensity in the second set. Led by a surge in offense from hitters like Avry Tatum and Jaidyn Jager, Indiana completely reversed the momentum, racing out to a commanding lead before closing the set 25-17 to knot the match at one set apiece.

The crucial turning point came in the third set, which saw Purdue’s defense return to form. After the emotional high of the second set, Indiana struggled to maintain efficiency, while Purdue’s middle blockers, including Dior Charles and Grace Heaney, re-established their presence. The Boilermakers pulled away late, fueled by strong serving, to take the set 25-20. This shift indicated Purdue’s ability to adjust and maintain defensive pressure, a characteristic essential for success in the competitive Big Ten Conference.

Holding a 2-1 advantage, Purdue’s senior leadership dictated the pace in the fourth and final set. Though the Hoosiers fought to keep the score close, the Boilermakers’ offensive leader, Kenna Wollard, delivered several key swings in crunch time, helping Purdue maintain a marginal but critical lead throughout the frame. The Boilermakers ultimately sealed the set 25-21, finalizing the 3-1 match victory. Overall, Purdue’s service game was outstanding, totaling 10 aces compared to Indiana’s three, which consistently put pressure on the Hoosier back row.

Individually, Kenna Wollard delivered a standout performance for the Boilermakers, contributing a match-high 18 kills on an efficient $.308$ hitting percentage, supported by seven digs and three blocks. Setter Taylor Anderson orchestrated the attack with 40 assists. For the Hoosiers, Avry Tatum (15 kills) and Jaidyn Jager (14 kills) led the offense, with setter Teodora Kričković adding 49 assists and 10 digs in a losing effort. The match served as a pivotal mid-season contest, with Purdue improving its Big Ten record to 5-2 and retaining possession of the Monon Spike trophy.