KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team was tested in Tuesday's River States Conference opener against the undefeated Pomeroys of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, but the battle went the way of the Cougars in four. With the win, IU Kokomo improves to 12-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

The IU Kokomo offense seemed to pick up where it left off last weekend, as they maintained a lead throughout the set after taking their first lead of the match at 3-2. Three-straight IUK points made it an 18-11 lead, forcing a Pomeroy timeout. 

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods went on a 5-0 run to trim the deficit to four late in the set, but the Cougars would hold on to take set one 25-19.

Despite a strong showing in the opener, IU Kokomo struggled with the defensive pressure of SMWC early and often in set two, eventually dropping the set 25-21 as the Pomeroys evened the match at a set apiece.

The Cougars took an early lead in set three, but by the midway point of the set it was SMWC who held a 14-11 lead. IU Kokomo found themselves down 20-17 late before closing the set on an 8-0 run to take the set and a 2-1 lead in the match.

After dropping the opening two points of the fourth set, it was all IU Kokomo from that point on, as set four proved to be the most lopsided of any set on the night.

IU Kokomo led by four halfway thru the set before outscoring the Pomeroys 12-6 over the course of the final 18 points, winning the set 25-15 and the match 3-1.

Mya Grigsby recorded a team-high and career-best 27 digs, while also leading the team in kills (14) and aces (5). Tonight's double-double is the ninth of her young career.

Kaley Lyons led the Cougars in assists with 25, while also recording 19 digs for another double-double. Ellie Garland totaled 22 digs and Maggie Connell had a double-double of 11 kills and 10 digs.

The Cougars will play their first River States Conference road match Friday evening as they will head to Richmond to battle the rival Red Wolves of IU East. First-serve is set for 7:00 PM.

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.