BECKLEY, W.V. – The Indiana University Kokomo volleyball team took their reign of dominance to West Virginia Friday, taking on the Golden Bears of WVU Tech. The Cougars won in three-sets for their 18th straight win.

With the Golden Bears coming into the match ranked second in the RSC East Division, Heather Hayes and company knew that WVU Tech could not be taken lightly. IU Kokomo jumped all over the Bears early, winning seven of the opening eight points to lead 7-1.

IU Kokomo led by six later in the set at 17-11, before reeling off seven-consecutive points to earn a match point while leading 24-11. The Cougs would take set one 25-12.

The Cougs led 5-1 in set two before WVU Tech showed signs of life, tying the match 5-5. By the midway point of set two, the Golden Bears took a 13-11 lead to force an IUK timeout. Coach Hayes was forced to take a second timeout of the set with IUK trailing 20-17.

The message was received in the IUK huddle, as the Cougars won four-straight out of the timeout to lead by one. With the set tied 23-23, back-to-back Golden Bear attack errors gave IU Kokomo a 25-23 set two win for a 2-0 lead.

Leading 9-8 in set three, IU Kokomo utilized a 6-0 run to extend the lead to seven and put the match on ice, as the Cougars cruised to a 25-15 set win for their sixth-straight sweep.

Alyvia Smith had an impressive match-high of 20 digs while also recording six assists. Kaley Lyons had 15 assists and seven digs while fellow setter Allison Richman tallied 11 assists. Mya Shively contributed six digs. 

Maggie Connell & Lexi Broyles each had ten kills to lead the Cougs offensively Friday, as Audrey Strawsma chipped in eight. 

The Cougars will return to the court Saturday afternoon for a match at Rio Grande on the way back west to Indiana. First-serve is set for 12:00 PM.

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.