IU Kokomo Volleyball Sweeps Reinhardt to Return to Sioux City
Story courtesy of Indiana University Kokomo Athletics
KOKOMO, Ind. - The IU Kokomo volleyball team punched its ticket to Sioux City on Saturday afternoon with a straight-sets victory over Reinhardt University, securing a third consecutive trip to Pool Play at the NAIA final site.
With the win, the Cougars are one of 24 NAIA Volleyball teams remaining, and will be placed in one of eight pools of three teams. IUK will learn of their opponents Sunday afternoon.
FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Student Activities & Events Center | Kokomo, IN
UPDATED RECORDS: Reinhardt - 29-8, IU Kokomo - 31-5
NAIA TOP-25 RANKINGS: Reinhardt - N/A, IU Kokomo - #14
THE RUNDOWN
IU Kokomo and Reinhardt were knotted at six before the Cougars ripped off 10 straight points, forcing the Eagles to burn both timeouts in an effort to halt the momentum. The Cougars never looked back, rolling to a 25-13 win in the opening set.
Reinhardt controlled the early stages of set two as IU Kokomo took time to settle in. The teams were tied at 13 midway through the frame, but just as in the opening set, the Cougars broke away with an 8-0 surge to go up 21-14 and eventually closed the set with three straight kills.
The Eagles battled in the third set, forcing an IU Kokomo timeout after cutting the margin to two. Reinhardt pulled within one at 21-20 and again at 24-23, but River States Conference Attacker of the Year Lexi Broyles sealed the straight-sets victory with a match-clinching kill.
LEADING THE CHARGE
Mya Grigsby paced IU Kokomo with a 10-kill, 12-dig double-double and three service aces. Mia Niekamp followed with nine kills on a .261 clip, while Lexi Broyles delivered eight kills at an efficient .350.
Sophomore libero Avery Littrell anchored the back row with a match-high 17 digs, turning in a strong defensive performance. Chloe Carpenter contributed seven digs and three aces.
IU Kokomo's setting tandem of Allison Richman and Macy Chafin combined for 27 assists, with Richman dishing out 15 and Chafin adding 12.
INSIDE THE HUDDLE
"The transformation this team has made from day one to now has been incredible. Earning a spot in the final 24 shows how far they've come and how hard they've fought to get here. I'm so happy for them—seeing the joy on their faces when they celebrate is one of the best feelings as a coach. I love seeing them reach their goals." Head Coach Heather Hayes
"This win means the world. Every year getting to Iowa is the ultimate goal we set in August, and to go back is so exciting, especially as a senior! We all worked so hard for this all year and we couldn't be more excited to play for a national championship!" - Senior Lexi Broyles
"Today's win means everything! We have been working hard since August as this was the main goal we set for our team. We really put everything together today that we've been working on in practice. It's so exciting going back to Iowa and I can't wait to go play for a championship!" - Senior Allison Richman
THE ROAD AHEAD
Next Match: Pool Play at the 2025 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship presented by Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront and Explore Siouxland - December 3rd-5th