KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team returned to the court inside the SAEC Saturday for two more non-conference matches. The Cougars swept both undefeated (RV) Cumberlands (Ky.) and Saint Xavier (Ill.) to cap off a 3-0 weekend in the 2024 IU Kokomo Volleyball Invitational.

Match One vs (RV) Cumberlands (Ky.) (W, 25-15, 25-15, 25-17)
The Patriots of the University of the Cumberlands entered Saturday with an undefeated record of 19-0, but they ran into a brick wall in 10th ranked IU Kokomo. The Cougars made quick work of the Patriots, setting the tone for Saturday's pair of matches.

After a back-and-forth first 13 points, IU Kokomo gained some separation with a 7-0 run that made it a 14-6 Cougar lead. The Cougs would take set one 25-15.

Similar to the opening set, IUK led by two before winning seven of the next eight points to extend the lead to eight. The Cougar lead was extended to 10 at 19-9, on the way to a second-straight 25-15 set victory.

Two-straight Patriots points evened the score at five early in the third before IU Kokomo won 10 of the ensuing 13 points to force a Cumberlands timeout while trailing 15-8. The Pats managed to battle back within five on two separate occasions, but IU Kokomo remained in control on their way to a 25-17 third-set win and sweep of the previously undefeated Patriots.

Mya Grigsby was a force to be reckoned with Saturday, recording a team-high 16 kills for an astounding hitting percentage of .433. Lexi Broyles added eight kills, as did setter Allison Richman. Maggie Connell contributed five digs,

The IU Kokomo setters combined for 31 assists, while Ellie Garland led the way with 12 digs and Grigsby followed with nine.

Match Two vs Saint Xavier (Ill.) (W, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19)
Fresh off a dominant win over Cumberlands, IU Kokomo carried their momentum into the match against Saint Xavier. IUK jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead before extending it to 10 at 18-8. The Cougs won set one by 13 at 25-12.

The home team would win 10 of the first 14 points in set two, forcing veteran Saint Xavier head coach Bob Heersema to take a timeout. IUK led by six before a 4-0 spurt made it a double-digit lead on the way to 10-point set two victory.

After flying thru the opening two sets, it was more of the same from the 10th-ranked Cougs early in set-three. Freshman Chloe Carpenter recorded consecutive aces in the midst of an IUK scoring run that extended the lead to eight midway thru the third.

IU Kokomo never lost control of the set despite allowing Saint Xavier to pull within five, as Heather Hayes's squad won set three 25-19 for a fourth-straight victory heading into conference play.

The Cougars will next be in action Tuesday night, as they are set to begin River States Conference play by welcoming the 16-0 Pomeroys of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to town for a 7:00 PM first-serve.

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.