KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo had a mixed performance on day one of the 2026 IU Kokomo Invitational, securing a 3-1 victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene before falling to the University of the Cumberlands in straight sets, 0-3. The Cougars showcased their competitive spirit, especially in their win against Mount Vernon Nazarene, highlighted by a strong fourth set with a .412 hitting percentage. Both matches featured clashes of top-ranked teams, with IU Kokomo ranked #13 and Mount Vernon Nazarene at #9 in the NAIA Preseason Poll, while the Cumberlands were ranked #10.
Match Against #9 Mount Vernon Nazarene
First Set
- Mount Vernon Nazarene opened strong, taking an 8-3 lead.
- The Cougs called a timeout at 9-3, then responded with kills, narrowing the gap to 12-6.
- Mya Grigsby sparked the team with consecutive service aces, forcing a timeout from Mount Vernon Nazarene at 18-16.
- IU Kokomo completed the comeback, closing the set with a 7-0 run, including a service ace from Chloe Carpenter, who surpassed the 500 career digs milestone, now totaling 504 after 13 in the current game, to win 25-22.
Second Set
- Mount Vernon Nazarene established an early advantage with a 7-0 run to lead 8-4.
- The Cougars responded with a sequence of strong plays, highlighted by a service ace from Avery Littrell, to level the score at 9-9.
- After trailing, the Cougars regained momentum with a series of blocks, tying the game at 17-17 with a kill.
- Niekamp's kill secured the set for Indiana University Kokomo, closing the set 25-22. Niekamp has now recorded at least 17 kills in two consecutive games.
Third Set
- The Cougars took an early 10-6 lead with a series of strong plays, including a service ace and blocks.
- Mount Vernon Nazarene responded with a 4-0 run to tie the score at 10-10.
- As the set progressed, Mount Vernon Nazarene edged ahead 16-14.
- Despite the Cougars' efforts to close the gap, Mount Vernon Nazarene finished the set 25-21.
Fourth Set
- IU Kokomo jumped to an early 3-0 lead with two kills and a service ace.
- Mount Vernon Nazarene called a timeout trailing 11-7 after a kill and an attacking error increased the lead.
- The Cougs extended their advantage to 19-10, fueled by a service ace, while Mount Vernon Nazarene struggled with setting errors.
- Grigsby sealed the set victory with consecutive kills, securing a 25-14 win for the Cougars. IU Kokomo achieved a season-high 11 blocks during the game, showcasing their strong defensive presence.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
Match Against #10 University of the Cumberlands
First Set
- IU Kokomo opened with a brief lead, aided by early kills from Mya Grigsby and Mia Niekamp, reaching an 8-7 advantage.
- Cumberlands responded with a series of points, sparking a 5-0 run to move ahead 14-12.
- Following a timeout, Cumberlands extended the stretch to 20-15, highlighted by a service ace.
- Despite a late push by the Cougs to narrow the margin, Cumberlands secured the set 25-20 after an attack error.
Second Set
- Indiana University Kokomo established an early 6-2 advantage, with Grigsby leading the attack with multiple kills.
- Cumberlands closed the gap to 10-8, capitalizing on the Cougars' errors.
- An IU Kokomo lead of 17-10 prompted Cumberlands to call a timeout, but the home team maintained a slim lead through most of the set.
- Cumberlands rallied from a 24-22 deficit, securing the final four points to close the set 26-24 in favor of Cumberlands.
Third Set
- The visitors took an early lead, moving ahead 7-5.
- IU Kokomo responded with a strong sequence, including service aces from Grigsby, to take a 17-14 advantage.
- A timeout by the Cougars at 18-17 was followed by Cumberlands regaining control, highlighted by a service ace.
- Cumberlands closed the set with a decisive stretch to win the set 25-21 and secure the match victory.
IU Kokomo Top Performers
The Cougars will be back in action Saturday for the final day of the 2026 IU Kokomo Volleyball Invitational, taking on ##21 Cornerstone at 11:45 AM and #17 Aquinas at 4:15 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 Facebook, X, and Instagram.
