KOKOMO, Ind. - The 18th-ranked Indiana University Kokomo volleyball team was swept by the 20th-ranked Patriots of Cumberlands (Ky.) in Saturday's opening match before bouncing back to beat Campbellsville (Ky.) 3-1. Heading into the day two of the IU Kokomo Invitational, the Cougars hold an overall record of 6-5.
FAST FACTS - 3-0 Loss vs #20 Cumberlands (Ky.)
- LOCATION: Student Activities & Events Center | Kokomo, IN
- UPDATED RECORDS: Cumberlands (Ky.) - 8-0 (0-0), IU Kokomo - 5-5 (0-0)
- NAIA TOP-25 RANKINGS: Cumberlands (Ky.) - #20, IU Kokomo - #18
THE RUNDOWN
- IU Kokomo led Cumberlands early, eventually taking a 15-12 lead to force a UC timeout. Trailing 18-14, the Patriots utilized a 7-0 run to take a three-point lead of their own. The Cougars did well to battle back and tie it at 22, yet Cumberlands eeked out a 25-23 first-set victory.
- Cumberlands took an early 8-4 lead, yet a 4-0 IUK run tied things at eight before a Patriots spurt re-established a 12-8 lead. UC maintained a lead throughout, yet the Cougs pulled within one at 19-18. The Patriots then outscored the Cougars 6-3 to close the set for a 2-0 lead.
- After a pair of close sets to open the match, the third set proved to be even more tightly-contested. The Cougars started the third strong, yet the two sides were knotted just past the midway point of the set. Having traded leads multiple times, IU Kokomo erased a Patriots match point to pull even at 24. #20 Cumberlands won the ensuing two points to close out a three-set win over #18 IU Kokomo.
LEADING THE CHARGE
- Lexi Broyles led IU Kokomo in the opener, notching a team-high 11 kills with a hitting percentage of .455.
- Ryleigh Hamilton followed with a career-high seven kills, as four teammates followed with six. Hamilton hit .600 on 10 attempts.
- Macy Chafin led the IUK setters with 18 assists with Allison Richman following two behind.
FAST FACTS - 3-1 Win vs Campbellsville (Ky.)
- LOCATION: Student Activities & Events Center | Kokomo, IN
- UPDATED RECORDS: Campbellsville (Ky.) - 7-7 (0-0), IU Kokomo - 6-5 (0-0)
- NAIA TOP-25 RANKINGS: Campbellsville (Ky.) - N/A, IU Kokomo - #18
THE RUNDOWN
- The Cougars led by a couple of points early before winning seven of eight points to double-up the Tigers 18-9. IU Kokomo closed out a set one win, 25-17.
- IU Kokomo and Campbellsville traded runs for much of the first 40 points of set two. Trailing IUK 20-18, the Tigers won five-straight to lead 23-20. The Cougars trimmed the deficit to a point twice, but Campbellsville took the second 25-23.
- 13th year head coach Heather Hayes's team led Campbellsville early before CU closed the gap to one on two separate occasions. IU Kokomo outscored the Tigers 9-4 down the stretch to take a 2-1 lead with a 25-19 set win.
- The Cougs carried the momentum over from set three, winning the first five points of the fourth to set the tone. #18 IU Kokomo led the entire time, on their way to a 3-1 win over the Tigers of Campbellsville.
LEADING THE CHARGE
INSIDE THE HUDDLE
- "It was nice to see our team bounce back after a tough loss. We don't lack talent, but we're still working on executing in pressure moments. We've faced some really tough teams this preseason, and the good news is I don't think we've played anyone that's a lot better than us. What we've seen are teams that are more consistent and play with a more aggressive mindset. If we can find those things, we'll be right where we need to be in November." - Head Coach Heather Hayes.
THE ROAD AHEAD
- Next Matches: IU Kokomo Volleyball Invitational, 9/6: vs vs Madonna (10:00 AM), vs IU South Bend (4:45 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
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