MARION, Ind. -- It was a tough weekend of matches for the Indiana Wesleyan University volleyball team but the Wildcats got by unscathed with another victory as they defeated Grace (Ind.) 3-0 in Luckey Arena.

Entering the weekend series Indiana Wesleyan was facing competition that was at the top of the Crossroads League in Marian (Ind.) and Grace. Both teams were in the top half of the league and in striking distance of the top.

But just like last night’s dominating performance against Marian, Indiana Wesleyan put another 3-0 win on the board against Grace by scores of 25-23, 25-20, 25-21.

“This weekend saw a lot of maturity for our team,” said head coach Candace Moats. “Going out and really playing strong against Marian was a real statement made that we really can play at a high level. And today we came out super strong and stayed focus. This is a very good team and they played super well. But for us to play steady and strong was really a sign of maturity for our team.”

Saturday’s match with Grace ends the first round of games against Crossroads League opponents for IWU. Indiana Wesleyan finished the first round at 8-1 and is 0.5 games ahead of Bethel (Ind.) and Taylor (Ind.) who are each 7-1.

“Our league has really grown in strength,” added Moats. “Each team we played has not been easy to overcome. Every team on any given day has come out and played strong. It will just make our league stronger. I feel privileged that we got through it with just one loss.”

Senior Rae Brandes provided another solid performance on Saturday with a match-high 14 kills and a .419 hitting percentage. Brandes totaled 33 kills this weekend as she tacked on 19 kills last night versus Marian.

Sophomore Kristin Predajna contributed 11 kills and senior Kristine Egebrecht had nine. Setter Katey Holler assisted on 40 kills while Kelly Cypher and Raina Troyer each served one ace. Senior Rebecca Brandes collected 16 digs while Egebrecht and Holler each had one solo block and five block assists.

Indiana Wesleyan improves to 13-4 overall and 8-1 in Crossroads League play and Grace drops to 11-5 and 3-5 in league action. IWU next plays on September 27-28 at the Judson/Robert Morris Tournament in the Chicago, Illinois region.