SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - The #15 IU Kokomo volleyball team's impressive 2023 campaign came to an end Friday in Sioux City, as the Cougars fell to #2 Indiana Wesleyan in five-sets. The Cougs finish the year with a record of 34-4 after earning the program's ninth-straight tournament appearance and fourth time at the Final Site.

IU Kokomo struggled early on as the Wildcats lead by as many as 11 at 23-12, but a 7-0 run behind the serving of Julia Sanders allowed for the Cougars to garner some momentum and confidence late in the opening set. IWU eventually managed to close out set one, 25-20.

Trailing 4-3 in set two, the Cougars won four-straight points to take a 7-4 lead and force an IWU timeout. Now leading 11-9, IUK went on a whopping 10-0 run behind the serve of Ellie Garland, taking a commanding 21-9 lead. The Cougs would take set two 25-13 to even the match at a set apiece.

With the teams back on even ground, IU Kokomo found themselves in front up until the midway point of set three. The Cougs battled back to take a 21-18 lead, yet the Wildcats responded to tie the set at 21. 

The Cougars managed to save one IWU set point to make it 24 all, before winning the following two points for a 2-1 lead in the match.

Indiana Wesleyan seemed to finally find some footing early in set four, as they took an early 6-2 lead to force a Heather Hayes timeout. The Wildcats would build on to their lead, and despite some resiliency from the Cougars, IWU forced a decisive fifth-set with a 25-20 fourth-set win.

Lexi Broyles kills gave IUK leads of 1-0 and 2-1 in set five, but the Wildcats won the following six points to take a 7-2 lead. The Wildcat lead was extended to 10-3, forcing a Cougar timeout.

The Wildcats went on to take the fifth 15-8 to claim Pool B and advance to the Quarterfinals of the NAIA National Championship, putting an end to the Cougars strong season.

Maggie Connell led the IU Kokomo attack with 18 kills, while Lexi Broyles floored 15 kills and Mia Niekamp recorded 10. In her final match as a Cougar, senior Audrey Strawsma finished with nine kills and a team-best seven blocks and two aces.

Senior defensive specialist Alyvia Smith finished with 33 digs to lead the Cougs in her final collegiate match, while Julia Sanders had 17 and Ellie Garland tallied 12.

Sophomore setter Allison Richman led the Cougars in assists with 27, while Kaley Lyons recorded her 10th double-double of the year with 21 assists and 19 digs.

The 2023 season saw the Cougars win go 19-0 in River States Conference play to win the regular season crown, before winning the RSC Championship. IUK then won their opening round match over Morningside to advance to the final site, where they advanced to the "Sweet 16" of the NAIA National Championship.

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.