MARION, IND. - No. 2 Indiana Wesleyan volleyball advanced to the NAIA Final Site Pool Play with a 3-1 win over Talladega College in the NAIA Opening Round on Saturday. Eva Joldersma had a dominate outing, posting 19 kills, 4 aces, 12 digs, and 4 blocks. Joldersma recorded her 1000th career kill in just her sophopmore season in the victory. The Wildcats last made the Final Site in 2021.

 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Marion, Ind. | Indiana Wesleyan University
• Records: IWU - 33-0, 18-0 CRL | TC - 31-9, 15-1 GCAC
• NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #2 | TC - NR

MATCH VITALS

• IWU took momentum in the first set behind a 10-3 run, and held on late for a 25-16 victory.
• Indiana Wesleyan took an early 4-1 lead in set two but the Tornadoes did not go away, taking the lead at 6-5. IWU battled with Talladega the rest of the way, but were unable to build upon a 1 point lead before dropping the set 25-22.
• The Wildcats responded in set three, taking a 15-6 lead . Despite a late run from TC, IWU managed to secure the 3-1 lead with a 25-19 victory.
• IWU again took control early in the final set, crusing to a 25-15 win to advance to the NAIA Final Site.

KEY WILDCATS

• Eva Joldersma - 19 kills, .275 hitting percentage, 4 aces, 12 digs, 4 blocks
• Abbigail Porter - 45 assists, 8 digs
• Cassie Gregory - 15 kills
• Marissa Mullins - 5 blocks

MOATS PERSPECTIVE

• "This team has been special all season long, and to be undefeated heading into Nationals, we are so grateful," said Head Coach Candace Moats. "I appreciate all the hard work that has been put into this season and the heart towards each other has been fantastic. Thank you Wildcat fans for your season long support. We will continue to pray to God for what he has in store for us at Nationals."

LOOKING FORWARD

• The Wildcats will head to Siou City, Iowa for the NAIA Final Site.

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