GARY, Ind. – Led by
Briah Strezo's 28 kills and 30 digs, the Indiana University Northwest volleyball team however split a Saturday afternoon tri-match with a four-set (25-23, 25-21, 15-25, 25-15) victory over Madonna, but were swept (27-25, 25-22, 25-10) by Spring Arbor.
Match One
Madonna (11-7) held an 18-15 lead, but the RedHawks (6-17) used a 5-0 run to take the advantage late and were able to hold on.
Erica Packwood, meanwhile, slammed down the final kill of the opener to take the win.
IUN was clinging to a one-point lead (20-19) in the second set and used a 5-2 spurt that was aided by a pair of kills from Packwood, while
Karly Jevert,
Julianna Picicco added one each over the final moments.
After dropping the third set, IUN bounced back in the fourth for its season-long third straight victory. To get to the win, the RedHawks used a
Baileigh Uporsky kill, which began a 6-0 match-ending swing.
Match Two
Looking to take the first stanza, IUN was staring down set point following a Packwood kill, but SAU used a 3-0 run to close out the opener.
During second set action Uporsky gave IUN a 22-21 lead, but a late ace and three kills by the Cougars shifted the momentum.
After Strezo aced SAU (13-11) to tie the contest early, an 8-0 run gave the Cougars a lead they wouldn't lose. Late in the contest the RedHawks found some offensive rhythm, but the hole was too deep to dig out of.
IUN returns to the court Thursday with a trip to CCAC foe Saint Ambrose for a 7 p.m. first serve.
