KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo volleyball returned to the win column Tuesday evening, sweeping Saint Mary-of-the-Woods inside the Student Activities and Events Center. The Cougars are now 18-5 overall and 7-1 in River States Conference play after the win.

SMWC led early in the first set, but IU Kokomo rattled off three straight points to take their first lead of the match at 7-5. Leading by two, IU Kokomo went on a 7-0 run to take a commanding 22-13 lead. The Cougars took the first set 25-15.

The second set was tightly-contested until late in the set. The Cougars led 18-17 before finishing the set on a 7-0 run to win it 25-17 and take a 2-0 lead.

Trailing by one in the third set, IU Kokomo won four straight points behind the strong serving of Audrey Strawsma to take a 10-7 lead. Alyvia Smith's defensive skills were on full display in the final set, as she made several impressive digs to get the crowd on their feet. 

IU Kokomo led by as many as six in the third set, and went on to win it 25-20 to sweep the Pomeroys of SMWC.

Senior Sidney Gerig led the Cougs with 11 kills, while Audrey Strawsma, Lorelei Porter, and Lexi Broyles all added nine kills.

Kaley Lyons had a match-high 25 assists as well as seven digs. Allison Richman had 15 assists.

Junior Libero Alyvia Smith recorded a match-high 17 digs on the night in which she was honored pregame for surpassing 1,000 career digs. 

The Cougars will return to the court Friday, as they will take on IU Southeast in New Albany, Indiana. The match is set to start at 7:00 P.M.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.