KOKOMO, Ind. - The Indiana University Kokomo volleyball team cruised to a sweep over IU Southeast in Tuesday's River States Conference Quarterfinals. The victory means that IUK will host the RSC Semifinals and Finals this weekend.

IU Kokomo advances to play Rio Grande at 5:00 PM Friday evening, while it will be IU East vs Oakland City in the second semifinal at 7:30. Rio Grande won in five-sets at SMWC Tuesday evening.

Playing each other for the second time in the last four days, the Grenadiers of IU Southeast hoped to play the Cougars as well as they did Saturday afternoon in New Albany. Early on the match was back-and-forth, but IU Kokomo would find some separation.

The Cougars led 7-6 before going on a 15-2 run for a commanding 22-8 lead. IUK would take set one in dominant fashion, 25-11.

IU Kokomo trailed 5-3 in set two before winning four-consecutive points to take a 7-5 lead. After the Grenadiers tied it at seven, the Cougars reeled off six-straight points to force an IU Southeast timeout. 

IUK led by five midway through set two before a 6-0 run, behind the strong serving of Tori Wilkinson, made it a 19-8 lead. IU Southeast trimmed the deficit to seven to force an IUK timeout, but the Cougars would close out the set 25-16.

Head coach Heather Hayes's squad jumped out to a lead in the early-going of set three, but a pesky Grenadier squad found themselves trailing by just two at 13-11. Trailing 18-11 after another IUK run, IUS used a 4-0 run to trail by just three. 

It was all Cougars from then on however, as IU Kokomo finished the match on a 6-0 run to win the set 25-16 and the match in straight-sets.

Outside hitter Maggie Connell led the Cougar attack Tuesday, recording 13 kills. Lexi Broyles added nine kills as Audrey Strawsma had eight. Both Broyles and Strawsma, along with Cali Cummings, had a team-leading three blocks apiece.

Kaley Lyons had 16 assists and eight digs while Allison Richman tallied 15 assists. Alyvia Smith had eight digs and Julia Sanders had seven.

With tonight's win, the Cougars will now be hosting the River States Conference Volleyball Semifinals Friday evening, as well as the Championship match Saturday afternoon. As mentioned, IU Kokomo will play Rio Grande in Friday's first semifinal at 5:00 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.