SIOUX CITY, IA — Indiana Wesleyan Women's Volleyball swept Indiana University Kokomo in straight sets, winning 25-21, 27-25, 25-17, at the Tyson Events Center on Friday afternoon. The Wildcats recorded 12 total blocks, outpacing the Cougars' 7. This victory came as part of their impressive performance in Pool Play, where they swept their last two wins, advancing to the NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals presented by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront and Explore Siouxland for the third consecutive year.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Tyson Events Center | Sioux City, IA
- Records: IWU - 30-4 | IUK - 32-6
- NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - 4 Seed | IUK - 13 Seed
SET ONE
- IU Kokomo took an early 7-3 lead with contributions from Mya Grigsby and Mia Niekamp.
- IWU responded, leveling the score at 8-8 with a block from Jessica Ickes.
- After trailing 15-12, the red and grey closed the gap and tied the set at 18-18 with strong defensive plays.
- IWU surged ahead to win the set 25-21, aided by a crucial service ace from Camaya Murry.
SET TWO
- The Cougars took an early 5-1 lead, highlighted by two service aces from Grigsby.
- Indiana Wesleyan answered with a 5-0 run, tying the score at 6-6 following an attack error by Grigsby.
- IUK regained momentum with a 10-7 lead through several kills from Niekamp and Grigsby.
- Indiana Wesleyan secured the set with a 3-0 push, capped by a kill from Eva Joldersma, concluding the period with a 27-25 advantage.
SET THREE
- Indiana Wesleyan opened with a strong 4-0 run, highlighted by kills from Marissa Mullins and Joldersma.
- IUK managed to tie the score at 6-6 after a service ace by Allison Richman.
- Indiana Wesleyan responded with a decisive 5-0 stretch, featuring multiple blocks, to take an 11-6 lead.
- Mullins secured the set victory with a final kill, giving Indiana Wesleyan a 25-17 win.
KEY WILDCATS
MOATS PERSPECTIVE
- "I loved the fight! We knew it would be tough as we respect IUK's program!" Said Head Coach Candace Moats. "The girls are focused and playing with intensity, heart, and passion for each other! We are grateful for the win and excited for the quarterfinals!"
LOOKING AHEAD
- IWU will face Corban (Ore.) on tomorrow at 3:00 PM ET.
- Links for tickets, live stats, and video are available at IWUWildcats.com.
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