IU Kokomo ends season at 34-5 in NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Rd
IU Kokomo ends season at 34-5 in NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Rd
By IU Kokomo Sports Information
KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team ended their amazing season with a truly even battle with Saint Xavier in the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Round on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Despite the 3-0 final score, the match with Saint Xavier could not have been any closer. In front of the biggest crowd in Cougar Gym history, Saint Xavier stole the victory from the home team 28-26, 28-26, 25-23.
This is the first loss at home for IU Kokomo since October of 2017. The Cougars will end their season at 34-5 with their fourth straight trip to the NAIA national tournament.
Individually for IU Kokomo, the Cougars were led by Nyssa Baker with 18 kills and five blocks. Erinn Adam also had a strong showing with 7 kills hitting a team-leading .538. On the defensive side of the ball, Macee Rudy anchored the back row with 23 digs. Kendal Williams and Sarah Morin set up the offense with 20 and 18 assists respectively.
The difference in the game came at the net with Saint Xavier earning 20 blocks to IU Kokomo's 7. Coach Heather Hayes shared her thoughts on the match and the teams' performance.
This concludes the season for IU Kokomo who loses just one senior in NIcole Sandmann and will return the entire playing roster next year.