PORTSMOUTH, Ohio. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team continued their strong, spirited play Friday night, sweeping Shawnee State 3-0 in the first RSC match between the two schools. IU Kokomo is now 18-3, 9-0.

After a fairly competitive start to the opening set, the Cougars turned their level of play up a notch. Leading by four at 14-10 midway through the set, IU Kokomo won nine-straight points to lead 23-10. The Cougars would go on to close out the set 25-11.

Shawnee State, looking to bounce back from a tough first-set, led 6-4 early in set two before the Cougars reeled off five points consecutively to lead 9-6. IU Kokomo would extend their lead to six at 14-8, forcing a Bears timeout. 

IU Kokomo maintaned control of the match, as the lead ballooned to double-digits at 23-13. This time, the Bears of Shawnee State managed to chip away at the deficit with a 6-0 run, but the Cougars would hold on to win set two 25-19.

Just as they did in set two, the Bears were able to play IUK well early in the set, before the Cougars eventually managed to pull away. IU Kokomo led by two halfway through the set, eventually building the lead to five at 20-15, forcing a SSU timeout. 

The Cougars would win five of the next six points, taking the third set 25-17 and the match 3-0.

Alyvia Smith dazzled in the back row Friday night for the Cougars, collecting 24 digs. Smith's 24 digs are four shy of her program record for digs in a three-set match, as she tallied 28 in a three-setter against Brescia last fall.

Kaley Lyons led the way with 21 assists while Allison Richman chipped in 11. Maggie Connell had a match-high 10 kills, as Lexi Broyles added nine. 

The Cougars will head to Kentucky to take on the Eagles of Alice Lloyd Saturday at 12:00 PM ET.

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.