KOKOMO, Ind. — The No. 23 IU Kokomo women's volleyball team saw its 12-match winning streak come to an end Tuesday evening, falling to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in four sets (20-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25) in a highly anticipated River States Conference showdown at the Student Activities & Events Center.
The Cougars (21-7, 10-2 RSC) battled throughout the evening against a Saint Mary-of-the-Woods squad (35-1, 12-0 RSC) that entered the contest unbeaten in conference play. IU Kokomo matched the Pomeroys with 57 kills and 10 total blocks, but the visitors held the advantage in offensive efficiency, hitting .223 compared to the Cougars' .153.
First Set
- IU Kokomo opened the match with a kill from Grigsby, but Saint Mary-of-the-Woods quickly established its offensive rhythm. The Pomeroys used a four-point run to build an 11-7 advantage before extending their lead to 16-9.
- The Cougars struggled to slow the visitors' attack during the middle stages of the set, falling behind 21-13 before mounting a late response. Kills from Cummings and a block by Grigsby helped IU Kokomo trim the deficit to 21-17.
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods reached set point at 24-17, but the Cougars refused to go quietly. Niekamp and Cummings delivered kills during a three-point stretch before the Pomeroys secured the opening set, 25-20.
Second Set
- The two sides traded points throughout the early stages of the second set, with neither team able to establish much separation. IU Kokomo continued to find success offensively, recording a match-high 18 kills in the frame.
- Grigsby and Cummings helped keep the Cougars within striking distance as the teams battled through the middle portion of the set, but Saint Mary-of-the-Woods maintained its offensive efficiency, hitting .286.
- Despite IU Kokomo's improved offensive production, the Pomeroys held on for a narrow 25-22 victory to take a two-set advantage into the break.
Third Set
- Facing a two-set deficit, the Cougars responded with their strongest defensive performance of the evening, limiting Saint Mary-of-the-Woods to just nine kills and a .041 hitting percentage.
- IU Kokomo capitalized on seven Pomeroy attacking errors while generating 14 kills of its own. The Cougars also continued to apply pressure at the net, helping disrupt the visitors' offensive attack.
- The defensive effort proved decisive as IU Kokomo claimed a 25-21 victory, extending the match to a fourth set and keeping its comeback hopes alive.
Fourth Set
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods regained its offensive rhythm in the fourth set, recording 15 kills against just two attacking errors for a .289 hitting percentage.
- The Cougars continued battling offensively, finishing with 12 kills in the frame, but eight attacking errors limited their ability to generate sustained momentum.
- The Pomeroys closed out the match with a 25-15 fourth-set victory, snapping IU Kokomo's 12-match winning streak.
Top Performers
- Junior Mya Grigsby led the Cougar offense with 16 kills while adding 18 digs for another double-double. The standout outside hitter also contributed three total blocks, including one solo rejection.
- Cali Cummings delivered one of IU Kokomo's most efficient offensive performances, recording 14 kills on 30 attempts for a .300 hitting percentage. The senior added two total blocks, including one solo.
- Avery Littrell anchored the Cougar defense with a team-high 21 digs while contributing five assists. Chloe Carpenter followed closely with 20 digs and accounted for both of IU Kokomo's service aces.
- Rylee Springer turned in a strong all-around performance, recording 20 assists and 18 digs, while Gracelynn Olson distributed a team-high 21 assists to go along with six digs.
- Trishell Johnson contributed eight kills and three total blocks, including two solo rejections. Ryleigh Hamilton matched Johnson with three solo blocks while adding five kills.
- Mia Niekamp and Natalie Sevier each finished with seven kills, with Sevier hitting .207 on 29 attempts.
The Cougars return to action Friday, October 30, when they travel to Chicago, Illinois, for a nonconference matchup against Saint Xavier University.
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, X and Instagram.
