By: Lila Bromberg

The Maryland Terrapins volleyball team took a 3-0 sweep against Indiana, earning its first Big Ten victory of the season.

The two teams came into the match looking pretty even on paper — both had 11-2 records after starting the season on hot winning streaks, but both were 0-1 in conference and comprised of young players.

Despite losing its previous two games, Maryland came out firing on all cylinders during the first set. The team started the set 5-0 and maintained a strong lead throughout, winning it 25-17, led by Gia Milana’s five kills.

The Terrapins continued their dominant play in the second set. During the first half of the set, Maryland kept a strong lead for the most part, refusing to give up anything. Every time Indiana managed to get a point, the Terps responded back fiercely with one of their own. The Terrapins faced their first real challenge during the second half of the set, when they were stuck at 24 points while Indiana took a slight comeback. Ultimately, Maryland was able to take the set 25-19.

The third set was much closer than the previous two, starting off with back-and-forth points on both sides. Indiana was able to gain some momentum and a slight lead quickly turned into a five point lead toward the middle of the set. Maryland eventually mounted a comeback with a nail-biting end to the set, but took the set 26-24, winning the match in straight sets.

The two stars of the game for Maryland were senior Hailey Murray and sophomore Gia Milana. Murray had nine kills, four blocks and led all players with .667 hitting percentage. Milana ended with 11 kills, three service aces, four digs and one block.

Another huge key for Maryland was limiting Indiana to a .117 hitting percentage, compared to the Terps’ .233.

The win also brings the team’s winning total to match the total wins last season, just 15 games in.