JOLIET, ILL. - No. 11 Volleyball split their matches on day two of the Big Dogs Classic Tournament. The Wildcats swept the Vikings of Missouri Valley College before falling to a tough Saint Xavier University squad.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: University of St. Francis | Joliet, Ill.
• Records: IWU - 6-2, 0-0 CRL | Missouri Valley College - 9-4, 0-0 KCAC  | Saint Xavier University - 6-1, 1-0 CCAC
• NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #11 | Missouri Valley College - Unranked | Saint Xavier University - RV

MATCH ONE VITALS

• The first set was a back-and-forth affair with neither team being able to gain separation. IWU used a 5-1 run late to take the set 25-23.
• With the second set tied at 12, Indiana Wesleyan went on a 12-1 run to take control of the set on their way to a 25-16 win.
• In the decisive third set, the Wildcats would open up a 9-3 lead early. The Vikings went on a late 4-0 run to pull within 3 points. IWU would shut the door on a comeback winning 25-20 and sweeping Missouri Valley 3-0.
• Eva Joldersma continued her hot start to the season, tallying 20 kills, while Martina Demarchi would put down 14 of her own.
• Abbi Porter recorded 38 assists.
• Ally Barkhaus led a balanced Wildcat defense with 13 digs. Cadee Notter and Martina Demarchi would contribute with 12 and 10, respectively.

MATCH TWO VITALS

• With IWU holding a 17-16 lead late in the first set, Saint Xavier went on a 5-0 run leading to a 25-22 loss for the Wildcats.
• Saint Xavier took control of the second set early, and Indiana Wesleyan could not overcome the early deficit dropping the second set 25-20.
• The Cougars took momentum into the third set building a 6-0 lead to start the third set. The Wildcats used a 6-0 run of their own midway through the set to pull within two points at 17-15. The teams traded points the rest of the way, with Saint Xavier taking the final set 25-21.
• IWU struggled with errors in the match, committing 19 while Saint Xavier posted 14.
• Martina Demarchi led the way offensively for the Wildcats, tallying 13 kills. 
• Abbi Porter recorded 22 assists.
• Ally Barkhaus and Eva Joldersma both recorded 11 digs to lead the team.

MOATS PERSPECTIVE

• "I thought the team adjusted well to the challenges of our opponents!  We are learning every match and continuing to build confidence in each other!  We are excited to keep learning and growing throughout the season!"

LOOKING FORWARD

• The Wildcats will host Mount Vernon Nazarene University in their home opener on September 7th at 7 p.m.
• Individuals looking to attend can purchase tickets at IWUWildcats.com/Tickets

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