OMAHA, Neb. – The Indiana University Kokomo volleyball team traveled west to Omaha for the 2023 Labor Day Classic presented by GoSarpy.com and Sarpy County Tourism. The Cougars began the two-day event with a split, highlighted by a 3-1 victory over the 14^th-ranked Ottawa University Braves. The nightcap featured a five-set loss to Benedictine (KS).

Match One
The Cougars got off to a slow start in the opening set against the Braves, falling behind 5-1, forcing IU Kokomo head coach Heather Hayes to take her first timeout of the set. Ottawa stayed in control for the duration of the set, taking the early 1-0 lead with a 25-15 set victory. The IU Kokomo attack struggled to find its rhythm, hitting just .026 while the Braves hit at a .294 clip.

It was IU Kokomo who got off to a quick start in the second set, as the Cougars took advantage of three early attack errors by the Brave to earn a 7-2 lead and force an Ottawa timeout. Out of the timeout, IUK continued its dominance in the set, using a 7-2 run to open a 10-point lead at 14-4. Six points would be as close as Ottawa would get to the IU Kokomo lead as the Cougars evened things at one with a 25-16 win. The IUK defense held the Braves to a -.026 hitting percentage while the Cougar attack collected 13 kills while committing just five errors.

IU Kokomo dominated the third set. After taking the early 2-1 lead the Cougars never looked back. Broyles recorded six kills in the set.

The fourth set would be the most competitive set of the match, but the Cougars managed to hang on to earn their first win over a ranked opponent of the season. IU Kokomo played from behind early but managed to climb back into things, trading point, eventually evening the set a 12. An Ottawa mishap and two IU Kokomo kills put the Cougars in front, 15-12. The Braves fought back and the teams once again traded points down the stretch. With the set even at 19 a block from Allison Richman and Audrey Strawsma followed by a Kaley Lyons service ace forced the Braves to call a timeout. With a one-point advantage for the Cougars at 22-21, Tori Wilkinson recorded two kills in the final three points to secure the IU Kokomo victory.

Wilkinson and Broyles each finished with a team-high 12 kills while freshman Mia Niekamp added 10. Lyons recorded a double-double with 24 assists and 12 digs while Alyvia Smith added a team-high 23 digs in the victory.

Match Two
The nightcap was a competitive one between the Cougars and the Ravens. After taking a 2-0 lead, IU Kokomo dropped three straights to Benedictine, falling 3-2 in their first five-set match of the season. The first four sets of the match were decided by three or less points.

Three Cougars recorded double digit kills led by Broyles who registered 16. Niekamp recorded 13 while Strawsma added 11.

Lyons dished out 33 assists while Richman added 18. Alyvia Smith recorded a team-high 28 digs while Ellie Garland chipped in with 11.

The Cougars' seven service aces were the second most in a match this season.

The Cougars will close out the tournament tomorrow as they take on (RV) Our Lady of the Lake University and the 13^th-ranked and host Bellevue Bruins.

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.