MARION, Ind. — Indiana Wesleyan (11-3, 7-0) edged Marian (11-5, 3-4) in a five-set thriller at home, winning the match 19-25, 26-24, 25-17, 20-25, 15-12. This victory extends Indiana Wesleyan's impressive Crossroads League win streak to 46 games. The match also marked the Wildcat's seventh NAIA Top 25 match up just 14 games into their season. Indiana Wesleyan's defense recorded 89 digs, contributing significantly to the victory, while the team also posted 12 total blocks.
Eva Joldersma returned to form in the victory with 25 kills, 9 digs, and 3 blocks.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Ind.
- Records: IWU - 11-3, 7-0 | MU - 11-5, 3-4
- NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU - #7 | MU - #21
SET ONE
- The red and gray took an early 5-2 lead with contributions from Marissa Mullins and Jessica Ickes.
- The Knights responded with a 7-0 run, including an ace that moved the lead to 7-5.
- After trailing 15-9, IWU closed the gap to 15-14 with a service ace by Camaya Murry.
- MU capitalized on Indiana Wesleyan's errors to secure the set 25-19.
SET TWO
- The Knights opened with a narrow lead, capitalizing on multiple attack errors by IWU to reach 12-10.
- The Wildcats responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a block from Jaycee Folkers and Ickes, to take a 15-12 advantage.
- MU answered back with a 4-0 streak, pulling ahead 23-19.
- Indiana Wesleyan rallied late, sparked by Eva Joldersma's two kills, to capture the set 26-24.
SET THREE
- The Knights took an early 5-2 lead after consecutive kills.
- The home team responded with a 5-0 run, highlighted by an Abbigail Porter service ace, to move ahead 7-5.
- After a brief tie, IWU pulled away with a 6-1 stretch, prompting a Marian timeout at 11-8.
- The Wildcats maintained momentum, closing the set 25-17 with strong net play and multiple blocks.
SET FOUR
- MU opened with a 6-3 lead, capitalizing on Indiana Wesleyan's early errors, including two attack errors by Eva Joldersma.
- The visitors extended their advantage to 13-7, highlighted by a service ace.
- IWU called a timeout at 15-9 to regroup but struggled to close the gap as MU maintained momentum.
- The Knights secured a 25-20 set win, ending Indiana Wesleyan's hopes of a comeback.
SET FIVE
- The Wildcats jumped to an early 3-0 lead with two kills from Marissa Mullins.
- Marian fought back to tie the score at 5-5, capitalizing on a series of attack errors by Indiana Wesleyan.
- Following a timeout, the red and gray regained control, pulling ahead 11-9 with a key kill by Marissa Mullins.
- Indiana Wesleyan secured the set and match with a decisive block by Jaycee Folkers and Jessica Ickes, winning 15-12.
KEY WILDCATS
LOOKING AHEAD
- The Wildcats home for another ranked opponent with No. 22 Taylor making the trip across Grant County on Saturday at 1:00 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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