MARION, Ind. - The Indiana University Kokomo volleyball team began their 2024 season Thursday by upsetting the No. 6 ranked Warriors of Midland in four-sets, before sweeping Wilberforce to secure a 2-0 start.

The Cougars will return to the court inside Luckey Arena Friday at 10:00 AM to battle the defending National Champions and first ranked Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan. IUK will close the opening weekend of play with a matchup against the Grace College (Ind.) Lancers at 4:00 PM.

Match One vs #6 Midland (W, 18-25, 25-22, 29-27, 25-14)

IU Kokomo found themselves playing from behind early and often in the opening set, as Midland jumped out to a 6-2 lead. After IUK pulled within two at 9-7, the Warriors utilized a 7-0 run to extend their lead to nine. eventually taking set one 25-18.

The Cougars took their first lead of the match at 2-1 to open set two, but Midland regained and maintained the lead for the time being. IU Kokomo trailed 11-9 before scoring four-straight to take a 13-11 lead midway through the set.

Heather Hayes's squad continued to play well late in the set, forcing Midland to use both timeouts in a span of four points. The Warriors managed to trim the deficit to one, but the Cougars held on to even the match at a set apiece with a 25-22 set two victory.

The IU Kokomo offensive attack continued to fire on all cylinders early in the third set, as Midland found themselves trailing 11-5 just about midway through the set. The Warriors then won nine of ten points in a stretch that saw them take an 18-16 lead late in the set. They earned three set-points, but IU Kokomo saved all three, going on to win a high-level third set 29-27 to take a 2-1 lead over Midland.

The fourth set was back-and-forth early on, as the two squads were knotted at five before IU Kokomo picked up the pace. The Cougars forced Warrior timeouts while leading 13-8 and 17-10, putting a stranglehold on both the fourth set and the match. 16th ranked IU Kokomo won set four in dominant fashion to upset the 6th ranked Warriors of Midland in the opening match of the season. 

Ellie Garland was stellar defensively, totaling 36 digs to lead the IU Kokomo back row. Freshman Mya Grigsby recorded a double-double in her first collegiate match, tallying 14 digs and 11 kills.

Lexi Broyles led the way offensively with 14 kills, while Mariah Wyatt contributed an important nine. Kaley Lyons recorded 21 assists while Allison Richman had 18.

Match Two vs Wilberforce (W, 25-7, 25-12, 25-10)

A dominant opening set performance against a young Wilberforce squad allowed the experienced Coach Hayes to play all 18 players and get a youthful group plenty of on-court experience. iU Kokomo led 16-7 before closing the opening set on a 9-0 run for a fourth-consecutive set victory.

The Cougars would take care of business in sets two and three, dropping a combined 22 points between the final two sets on their way to their first sweep of the young season. 

Freshman setter Macy Chafin was impressive in her two sets of action in a 5-1 rotation, totaling 19 assists. 10 different Cougars recorded a kill in the match, with three leading the way at five kills apiece. 

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.