RIO GRANDE, Ohio. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team improved to 14-0 in River States Conference play Saturday afternoon, sweeping Rio Grande inside Newt Oliver Arena.

The match proved to be tightly-contested early on while both teams looked to find their rythym, with IU Kokomo using a 3-0 mini-run to take a 12-8 lead nearly halfway through the set.

Rio Grande pulled within two at 18-16, but the Cougars won the following four points behind two Audrey Strawsma kills and a Mia Niekamp kill, to lead 22-16. The Cougs would take set one 25-20.

The Cougars opened set two by winning six of the first seven points, however Rio Grande would immediately answer and tie the match 6-6 to force an IUK timeout. Trailing 12-10, the RedStorm won three-consecutive points for their first lead of the set, but it was the Cougars turn to respond, using a 5-0 run to take a 17-13 lead. 

IU Kokomo led by four at 19-15 before winning six of the final seven points of the set, winning it 25-16 for a two-set lead.

Rio Grande found themselves leading 11-10 in set three, but after a Heather Hayes timeout, IU Kokomo would win three-straight points to return to the lead. The Cougars strong play would force a pair of timeouts down the stretch, but IUK would hold on to win 25-18, completing the squad's seventh-straight sweep.

Freshman Mia Niekamp had a strong match, flooring a team-high ten kills to go along with two blocks. Audrey Strawsma & Maggie Connell each added eight kills.

Kaley Lyons led the way with 22 assists, as Allison Richman added 14. 

Defensively, Cali Cummings had a team-high in blocks with three, while Alyvia Smith led the Cougs in digs with 16. Ellie Garland added six digs. 

The Cougars will return home for three matches at home next week, beginning Tuesday night against Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

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.