The fall seasons for Purdue’s women’s sports teams continue to be quite successful, as both volleyball and soccer are ranked in the top after successful weekends.

Volleyball

Purdue 3, Illinois 2

The Boilers avenged their lone conference loss so far with a grueling 3-2 win in Campaign. They even did it the reverse way of how the Illini won in West Lafayette. Illinois actually outscored Purdue, but narrow wins in three sets allowed Purdue to win 28-26, 16-25, 22-25, 25-20, and 15-12 last Wednesday. Grace Cleveland led with 17 kills and Hayley Bush had 45 assists.

The victory was also the 400th in the illustrious career of Purdue coach Dave Shondell, against just 201 defeats.

Purdue 3, Iowa 0

There was absolutely no trouble with last place Iowa in a 25-18, 25-12, 25-16 sweep in Iowa City on Saturday. It would be nice if the football team can keep that momentum going this Saturday in Iowa City.

The two victories kept Purdue ranked 6th nationally, and tied for second in the Big Ten. Nebraska leads the league with a 6-0 record while Purdue, Wisconsin, and Penn State are 5-1. Purdue has a very difficult weekend this weekend with a trip to #7 Ohio State on Friday before hosting #15 Penn State on Sunday.

Soccer

Purdue 3, Minnesota 2

Soccer advanced to 10-2-2 overall and 5-1-0 with a win over the Gophers on Sunday at home. Minnesota led 2-0 at halftime, but a dominant second half led to a come from behind win. Emily Matthews got her fifth goal of the season in the 64th minute, and the matches later tied on a Minnesota own goal in the 71st minute. A draw was avoided on Sarah Griffith’s Big Ten leading 11th goal in the 85th minute.

Purdue is ins second place in the Big Ten with four games remaining. The Boilers are on 15 points while Rutgers is spotless on 18 points at 6-0 in league play. Purdue plays at Ohio State on Thursday and Penn State on Sunday. Both teams have losing overall records in league play, so if Purdue can stay hot it will continue to be in the race.

In terms of national rankings Purdue moved up five spots to 20th in the RPI, meaning they are solidly in the NCAA field. A Big Ten title could also mean another benefit, as it would possibly lead to a top 16 national seed and the first two rounds being played in West Lafayette. The toughest game left is likely against Indiana, who is 9-2-3 and on the verge of the top 25.