MARION, Ind. -- It was an early season match with a postseason type crowd tonight in Luckey Arena as Indiana Wesleyan University volleyball swept their Grant County rivals Taylor (Ind.) 3-0.
The Wildcats controlled the tempo from the beginning and won with convincing scores of 25-18, 25-21, 25-15. IWU has now won five straight and improves to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in Crossroads League action.
“We knew we were going to have a stellar crowd tonight and it was going to be packed,” said Indiana Wesleyan head coach Candace Moats. “This felt like a real collegiate level game. So we told our kids to enjoy the crowd tonight. They were outstanding and I applaud the crowd and our excellent student section.”
Indiana Wesleyan put on a defensive clinic in front of the home crowd. IWU ended the evening with nine blocks and 42 digs.
“It was just a wall up there with all of our blocks,” said Moats. “I contribute that to just a great study of the game plan and to Coach Dan Priest. He has really revolutionized our defense. And with Rebecca Brandes knowing right where she needs to be and having the skills she does, she just picks up everything in the back. And when our block does their job we get better as defenders.”
Remy Bucknor was the top Wildcat at the net on Friday with one solo block plus six block assists. Kristin Predajna added four block assists and Katey Holler chipped in with three. In the back, libero Rebecca Brandes cleaned up what the blockers left with a match-high 19 digs while her twin Rae Brandes added 10.
Offensively, Rae Brandes and Sarah Collicott paced Indiana Wesleyan with eight kills apiece. Bucknor added seven while Predajna and Kristine Egebrecht each finished with six. Egebrecht recorded just one kill through the first two sets but ended the night strong with five in the third set.
“Kristine knew she was going to be smothered tonight,” said Moats. “So we told her that tonight she might have to be a decoy and it’s not always going to look great for you. And she said it doesn’t matter, it’s whatever you want and I will do what you need. And that opened up everyone else. It opened up Sarah Collicott on the outside and she came through with a good night.”
Indiana Wesleyan will take to the road for their first Crossroads League match away from Luckey. IWU travels to Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) for a 3 p.m. showdown on Saturday.
