RICHMOND, Ind. — IU Kokomo women's volleyball opened a busy weekend of competition Friday evening with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 26-24) sweep of River States Conference rival IU East in Richmond.
The Cougars controlled much of the opening two sets before mounting a comeback in the third, overcoming a late deficit to complete the sweep. IU Kokomo also continued its strong play at the net, recording at least 10 total blocks for the fourth consecutive match.
Junior outside hitter Mya Grigsby led the Cougars with a match-high 22 kills on a .459 hitting percentage, including 12 kills in the third set alone. Friday marked Grigsby's 10th match with at least 20 kills this season and her third such performance in a three-set match. Earlier this season, Grigsby established a new program record for kills in a three-set match with 25 against Indiana Tech.
First Set
- IU Kokomo jumped out to an early 7-2 advantage, using a four-point run behind the serving of Alexa Miedema that featured two kills from Natalie Sevier and a service ace.
- The Red Wolves battled back from an 18-15 deficit, scoring three consecutive points to even the score at 18 and force a Cougar timeout.
- IU Kokomo responded emphatically out of the timeout, rattling off six straight points to take a commanding 24-18 lead before securing the opening set 25-20 on an IU East service error.
Second Set
- The Cougars carried their momentum into the second set, winning the opening three points before extending their advantage to 7-2 behind kills from Cali Cummings, Grigsby and Mia Niekamp.
- IU East trimmed the deficit to 7-5, but IU Kokomo responded with another strong stretch to build a 14-7 lead. The Red Wolves refused to go away, eventually pulling within two at 16-14.
- The Cougars answered the challenge with timely kills from Grigsby and Trishell Johnson, rebuilding their cushion to 21-16 and forcing IU East's final timeout of the set.
- IU Kokomo maintained control down the stretch, closing out a 25-18 victory to take a commanding two-set lead.
Third Set
- The two sides traded points early before three Grigsby kills helped IU Kokomo pull even at 11. IU East responded with five unanswered points to build a 16-11 advantage.
- The Red Wolves maintained their lead deep into the set, holding a 21-17 edge before the Cougars mounted a furious comeback.
- Behind three kills from Grigsby and a block from Ryleigh Hamilton, IU Kokomo rattled off five consecutive points to surge ahead 22-21.
- IU East answered with three straight points to reach set point at 24-22, putting the Cougars on the brink of a fourth set.
- Grigsby delivered when it mattered most, recording two kills around an IU East attack error to give the Cougars a 25-24 lead. Another Red Wolves attack error sealed the 26-24 victory and completed the road sweep.
- Grigsby was nearly unstoppable in the final frame, hammering home 12 of her match-high 22 kills to help the Cougars overcome the late deficit.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
The Cougars return to action Saturday afternoon in Kentucky for two more matches at Midway University. IU Kokomo will face the host Eagles at noon in River States Conference action before taking on Lindsey Wilson College in a neutral-site match immediately following the opener.
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.
