MARION, Ind. -- It was the Rae Brandes show on Friday night in Luckey Arena as the Indiana Wesleyan University volleyball team dictated play all night in a convincing 3-0 win over Marian (Ind.) in Crossroads League play.

“We came out tonight with a lot of energy,” said senior Rebecca Brandes. “It was just fun to play tonight.”

The Wildcats cruised to the straight set victory by scores of 25-11, 25-14, 25-14. Early in the night the Wildcats held a slim 10-9 lead in the first set before going on a 15-2 run to clinch the game one win. IWU continued that dominant stretch into the second game by scoring 16 of the first 18 points. In all, the Wildcats outscored the Knights 31-4 during the run.

“This game was the highlight of the season so far,” said head coach Candace Moats. “The girls were ready to play and came in on fire and they worked together. It was a win, win, win because everybody thought of each other before themselves. It was just an outstanding performance of glorifying God.”

In a match that was so well played by everyone on Indiana Wesleyan, senior outside hitter Rae Brandes stood out the most. She finished the night with a match-best 19 kills and did so with a .621 hitting percentage. The 19 finishers are the second most in her career.

“I was connecting with Katey really well and just hitting shots,” said Brandes.

Brandes has a career-high of 23 kills which came last season against Lee (Tenn.). She has also tallied 18 kills on multiple occasions.

“I love that Rae had such a great match,” beamed Moats. “She has been working probably harder than anyone and she desires to get better every day. She just came out today and played awesome.”

Alijah Mulitauopele and Kristine Egebrecht each earned seven kills while Kristin Predajna and Remy Bucknor added six kills apiece. The most kills any Marian player had was five. Katey Holler assisted on 38 kills while Sam Elkins served three aces and Kelly Cypher added two. Rebecca Brandes had a match-high 19 digs and Bucknor totaled five block assists.

Indiana Wesleyan returns to Luckey Arena tomorrow afternoon in a showdown with league rival Grace (Ind.). That match begins at 3 p.m. in Luckey Arena.