MARION, IND. — Indiana Wesleyan University swept Bethel University in three sets, 25-9, 25-20, 25-19, on Saturday in Luckey Arena. The Wildcats dominated with a .318 hitting percentage, compared to Bethel's .028. The home team's potent attack was highlighted by 45 kills, while their defense contributed 51 digs, solidifying the decisive victory. In her return from injury, two time NAIA Player of the Year, Eva Joldersma put up 4 kills with a hitting percentage of .231 and 2 blocks in limited opportunities.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Ind.
- Records: IWU - 8-3, 4-0 | BU - 9-8, 1-3
- NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #7 | BU - NR
SET ONE
- The Wildcats quickly established control with a 4-0 start, highlighted by kills from Shae Williams and Marin Sanchez, and an attack error by the Pilots.
- Abbigail Porter facilitated a strong offensive run, assisting four early kills as the Wildcats extended their lead to 11-1, prompting a Bethel timeout.
- Sanchez delivered two service aces in a 7-1 stretch, maintaining the Wildcats' momentum and pushing the score to 18-4.
- The home team capitalized on multiple Bethel errors, closing out the set 25-9 with a decisive block by Marissa Mullins and Eva Joldersma.
SET TWO
- - IWU responded to an early deficit by taking a 6-2 lead, fueled by Sanchez's two consecutive kills and a block by Jessica Ickes and Avery Caskey.
- - The Pilots tied the score at 6-6 with a service ace, but the red and gray regained the advantage with a kill from Williams.
- - A decisive 5-0 run by the Wildcats, highlighted by kills from Mullins and Caskey, pushed the score to 14-9 before Bethel called a timeout.
- - Indiana Wesleyan extended its lead to 20-12 with a service ace from Porter, prompting another timeout from the Pilots, and eventually closed the set 25-20 on a kill by Mullins.
SET THREE
- Bethel opened with a 7-2 lead, capitalizing on a service ace and multiple attack errors from Indiana Wesleyan.
- The Wildcats rallied with a 5-0 run, highlighted by two kills from Sanchez, leveling the score at 9-9. Bethel called a timeout to regroup.
- Following the timeout, Indiana Wesleyan gained momentum with a 5-1 stretch, aided by a series of errors from Bethel, to take a 14-10 lead.
- The Wildcats sealed the set with a final 5-2 run, capped by a block by Mullins and Porter, and an attack error from Bethel, securing a 25-19 victory.
KEY WILDCATS
- Abbigail Porter - 32 assists, four kills on a 1.000 hitting percentage, five blocks
- Marin Sanchez - 12 kills with a .367 hitting percentage, two service aces, eight digs
- Jessica Ickes - eight kills on a .467 hitting percentage, two blocks
- Marissa Mullins - six kills with a .267 hitting percentage, six blocks
MOATS PERSPECTIVE
- "I loved the energy the team displayed in the first set! It was great to see the joy of just playing," said Head Coach Candace Moats. "Shout out to the defense that gave the opportunity to hit at a high percentage! It was a great performance from Marin Sanchez! Her confidence and consistency is growing every match!"
LOOKING AHEAD
- The Wildcats stay at home, facing No. 15 MVNU on Wednesday, September 17th at 7:00 PM.
- Individuals looking to attend can purchase tickets at IWUWildcats.com/Tickets
- Links for live stats and video can be found at IWUWildcats.com
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