Indiana Volleyball to Face Oregon and Washington

The Hoosiers travel for two upcoming matches against ranked Big Ten opponents this weekend.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a volleyball player in mid-air spike action, captured in high-energy brush strokes and team colors. — The 18th-ranked Indiana volleyball team travels to face conference opponents Oregon and Washington this weekend following a two-game skid. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe your local college team can recover from consecutive losses in upcoming matchups?

Indiana volleyball, currently ranked 18th, is set to play road matches against Oregon on October 17 and Washington on October 18. The team looks to rebound from a two-game losing streak following losses to Nebraska and USC.

Why it matters

These road matches serve as a critical test for Indiana as they navigate a challenging conference schedule. Facing two high-performing opponents will determine if the team can overcome their recent slump and maintain their standing in the rankings.

Oregon enters the match with a 14-2 overall record and a .255 team attacking percentage. Washington features Simona Mateska, who leads her squad with 180 total kills and an average of 3.46 kills per set.

The players

Valentina Vaulet

She is an key offensive player for Oregon who has recorded 176 total kills this season.

Simona Mateska

She serves as a primary attacker for Washington with 180 total kills and a 3.46 kills-per-set average.

Leslie Gabriel

She is the head coach of the Washington volleyball program, bringing experience from her 22 years serving as an assistant coach.

The details

Indiana enters this stretch following consecutive losses to Nebraska on October 8 and USC on October 11. The team will face a stern challenge from Oregon, which joined the Big Ten in 2024, and a Washington squad that currently holds opponents to a .150 hitting percentage.

October 8, 2026: Indiana lost to Nebraska.
October 11, 2026: Indiana lost to USC.
October 17, 2026: Indiana faces Oregon in Eugene.
October 18, 2026: Indiana plays against Washington.

Season Trajectory

These road matches against Oregon and Washington highlight the increased logistical and competitive difficulty for teams following the 2024 Big Ten conference expansion. The results will significantly influence the playoff standing and ranking outlook for Indiana as they navigate this new conference landscape.

Indiana needs a victory to stop their two-game slide and improve their conference standing. Fans should monitor the offensive production of Valentina Vaulet and Simona Mateska, as their performances will likely dictate the defensive adjustments required for the Hoosiers.

The takeaway

Success in these upcoming road matches will require Indiana to significantly improve their hitting consistency against tough conference defenses. Staying focused on fundamental execution will be essential for the Hoosiers to break their current losing streak.