KOKOMO, Ind. — The IU Kokomo women's volleyball team earned a statement victory Tuesday evening inside the Student Activities and Events Center, taking down No. 18 The Master's University in four sets (25-17, 10-25, 25-13, 25-20).
After splitting the opening two sets, the Cougars responded with a dominant third-set performance before overcoming an eight-point deficit in the fourth to secure the victory over their nationally ranked opponent.
Senior libero Avery Littrell anchored the IU Kokomo defense with a season-high 29 digs, seemingly covering every inch of the court throughout the evening. Sophomore middle hitter Trishell Johnson delivered a career-best offensive performance, putting down 10 kills on an impressive .450 hitting percentage while adding three blocks.
Junior outside hitter Mya Grigsby led the Cougar attack with 13 kills, while Ryleigh Hamilton made her presence felt at the net with a team-high five blocks.
First Set
- IU Kokomo wasted little time establishing momentum, opening the match with a Grigsby kill and service aces from Gracelynn Olson and Tia Williams to take a 4-1 lead.
- With the Mustangs within a point at 6-5, the Cougars seized control by winning seven of the next eight rallies. Johnson, Grigsby, Hamilton and Cali Cummings each contributed kills during the stretch as IU Kokomo built a 13-6 advantage.
- The Cougars continued to apply pressure offensively, extending their lead to 20-11 behind contributions from Natalie Sevier and Johnson.
- The Master's made a late push, but Cummings delivered the finishing blow with a kill to give IU Kokomo the opening set, 25-17.
Second Set
- The Mustangs responded quickly in the second, using a six-point run to turn a 2-2 tie into an 8-2 advantage.
- IU Kokomo battled back to within two at 10-8 behind kills from Grigsby, Sevier and Cummings, but The Master's answered with seven of the next eight points.
- The visitors controlled the remainder of the frame, pulling away for a 25-10 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
Third Set
- The Cougars came out of the break with renewed energy, rattling off the first eight points of the set. Olson fueled the early surge from the service line, while Grigsby and Cummings each supplied two kills.
- IU Kokomo maintained its offensive rhythm as Niekamp, Hamilton, Grigsby and Cummings helped extend the advantage to 15-6.
- The Cougars never allowed the Mustangs to establish a sustained rally, adding late contributions from Sevier, Johnson and Grigsby to cruise to a convincing 25-13 victory and regain control of the match.
Fourth Set
- The Master's appeared poised to force a decisive fifth set, jumping out to a 12-4 lead and putting the Cougars in an early hole.
- IU Kokomo refused to go away, gradually chipping into the deficit behind strong play at the net from Hamilton and timely kills from Johnson and Grigsby.
- Trailing 14-10, the Cougars caught fire with six consecutive points. Hamilton tied the set at 14 with a kill before Cummings and Hamilton followed with kills of their own to put IU Kokomo ahead 16-14.
- The Mustangs remained within striking distance at 20-18, but Johnson and Grigsby delivered critical kills down the stretch to keep the Cougars in front.
- Johnson added another powerful swing for a late kill before a Master's attack error sealed the 25-20 set victory and the four-set upset.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
The Cougars return to River States Conference action Saturday, Oct. 17, when they welcome Kentucky Christian University to the Student Activities and Events Center for a 1 PM matchup.
For the latest news, updates and information on IU Kokomo Athletics, visit IUKCougars.com or follow @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.
