SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - The 11th ranked IU Kokomo volleyball team's impressive 2024 campaign came to an end Friday in Sioux City, as the Cougars fell to #6 Eastern Oregon in straight sets. The Cougs finish the year with a record of 33-6 after earning the program's tenth-straight tournament appearance and fifth time at the Final Site.

The Mountaineers of Eastern Oregon dominated the opening set, as the Cougars struggled to find a rythym offensively against an EOU squad that turned in one of their best performances of the year. 

Eastern Oregon jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first on their way to a 25-11 first-set victory.

IU Kokomo fell behind 12-5 in the second before rallying to pull back within two points at 14-12. While trailing 17-15, EOU won two-straight to force an IUK timeout. The Mountaineers would then go on to win six of the final nine points to win the set and take a 2-0 lead.

The Cougars trailed by just one at one at 4-3, but Eastern Oregon won 14 of the ensuing 18 points to take a commanding 18-7 lead. IU Kokomo saved three match points, but the Mountaineers eventually closed out the set 25-15 to advance to the NAIA Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals as the winner of Pool F.

Cali Cummings and Lexi Broyles recorded a team-high six kills apiece, while both Mya Grigsby and Maggie Connell floored four. In her final career match, fifth-year setter Kaley Lyons led the Cougs with 11 assists, as Allison Richman contributed eight.

Defensively, libero Ellie Garland totaled a team-high digs, as Chloe Carpenter followed with 13. Richman and Cummings each tallied a pair of blocks.

The 2024 season saw the Cougars go 16-0 in River States Conference play to win another regular season crown. IUK then won their opening round match over Indiana Tech in four sets to punch their ticket to the final site, where they advanced to the "Sweet 16" of the NAIA National Championship for a second-consecutive season.

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.