FORT WAYNE, Ind. — IU Kokomo (3-1) enjoyed a successful final day at the Onset Invitational, first securing a decisive 3-0 victory over the University of Michigan-Dearborn (0-3) and then claiming a 3-1 win against Campbellsville (Ky.) (6-2).
IU Kokomo vs. University of Michigan-Dearborn
The Cougars demonstrated strong offensive efficiency against Michigan-Dearborn, achieving a .450 hitting percentage in the final set.
First Set
- IU Kokomo established an early lead with a kill by Cali Cummings and a service ace by Natalie Sevier, advancing to a 4-1 advantage.
- Michigan-Dearborn responded with a service ace, leveling the score at 6-6 after a series of errors by the Cougars.
- The Cougs capitalized on Michigan-Dearborn's errors, including a service error and multiple attack errors, to extend their lead to 15-8.
- Mya Grigsby and Mia Niekamp each contributed key kills, helping IU Kokomo secure a 25-18 win to take the first set.
Second Set
- The Cougars opened strong with a 3-0 start, highlighted by a service ace from Gracelynn Olson.
- Chloe Carpenter contributed with a service ace to extend the Cougs' lead to 5-3.
- A pivotal 6-0 run by the Cougars, featuring multiple kills and service aces by Olson, pushed the lead to 21-9.
- Michigan-Dearborn mounted a late rally but IU Kokomo secured the set, closing at 25-17 with a kill by Natalie Sevier.
Third Set
- The Cougs quickly responded to an early Michigan-Dearborn point with a series of successful points, including a kill by Alexa Miedema and a service ace from Chloe Carpenter, taking a 4-1 lead.
- A series of attack errors by Michigan-Dearborn, coupled with a block by Ryleigh Hamilton and Miedema, allowed the Cougars to extend their lead to 13-4.
- At 15-4, a service ace by Rylee Springer forced a timeout by Michigan-Dearborn, reflecting the Cougs' control over the set.
- Multiple attack errors by Michigan-Dearborn and a strong service game, including two aces by Miedema, helped IU Kokomo secure the set with a decisive 25-7 victory.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
- Alexa Miedema: 3 service aces, 3 kills on 4 attempts (.750 hitting percentage), 6.5 total points
- Mia Niekamp: 8 kills on 16 attempts (.438 hitting percentage), 8.5 total points, 1 block assist
- Rylee Springer: 13 assists, 1 service ace, 1 block assist
- Natalie Sevier: 5 kills on 10 attempts (.300 hitting percentage), 4 digs, 6 total points
IU Kokomo vs. Campbellsville (KY)
In their second match of the day, IU Kokomo claimed a 3-1 victory over Campbellsville, with set scores of 25-27, 25-14, 27-25, and 25-16. The Cougars recorded a .500 hitting percentage in the second set, which was pivotal in leveling the match.
First Set
- Campbellsville gained an early advantage, jumping out to an 8-4 lead.
- Indiana University Kokomo tied the score at 8-8 with a kill from Mia Niekamp, part of a sequence that included two attack errors.
- Campbellsville regained control with a 5-0 run to move ahead 18-15.
- A tight finish saw Campbellsville edge the Cougars 27-25.
Second Set
- The Cougs began with a balanced attack, featuring a kill from Mya Grigsby and an ace from the team to take a 6-4 lead.
- Campbellsville responded with a run but Indiana University Kokomo regained momentum with a series of plays, including two consecutive service aces by Rylee Springer, to establish a 12-9 advantage.
- With contributions from multiple players, the Cougars extended their lead and closed the set 25-14, securing a commanding position going into the next set.
Third Set
- The Cougs started strong with a 3-0 lead, highlighted by kills from Grigsby and Cali Cummings.
- Campbellsville gained momentum with a 7-0 run, including multiple attack errors from Indiana University Kokomo, to take a 7-4 lead.
- The Cougars responded with a strong comeback, tying the score at 17-17 thanks to a kill from Niekamp.
- In a tense finish, the Cougars secured the set 27-25 with consecutive kills by Grigsby.
Fourth Set
- The Cougars opened with an 8-0 run, highlighted by multiple assists from Claire Campanello and kills from Grigsby and Cummings.
- Later, a service ace from Alexa Miedema extended the team's lead to 10-2.
- Campbellsville attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 15-8.
- IU Kokomo maintained control and sealed the set 25-16, securing the match victory.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
The Cougars will be back in action on Friday, Aug. 28, as they play at noon in the opening match of the 2026 IU Kokomo Volleyball Invitational
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.
