GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest battled back from a two-sets-to-one deficit to defeat Judson University 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 25-16, 18-25, 15-10) Saturday afternoon at the Savannah Center, improving to 11-16 overall and 7-5 in conference play. The win marked just the second victory in program history over the Eagles.
The RedHawks found themselves in an early hole after dropping the opening set 25-17, as Judson's Alyssa Burke dominated from the service line with four aces in the frame. The Eagles jumped out to a commanding 13-6 lead behind Burke's serving run, forcing an Indiana Northwest timeout that couldn't stem the momentum.
Indiana Northwest responded in the second set, using a balanced attack to even the match. Freshman Raniyah Preston distributed effectively to Trinitie Lintner and Gabi Lilovich, who combined for key kills during a decisive stretch. The RedHawks overcame a 13-12 deficit to close on a 13-7 run and claim the set 25-20.
The momentum carried into the third set, where the RedHawks seized control. Kaelan Murphy's service ace sparked a dominating run that saw the RedHawks build a 12-4 advantage. Murphy served six consecutive points during the stretch, including an ace that forced a Judson timeout. The Eagles never recovered, falling 25-16.
Judson refused to fold in the fourth set, jumping ahead 11-5 behind the offensive firepower of Burke and Maisie Green. Despite a late Indiana Northwest push, Judson evened the match with a 25-18 victory.
The decisive fifth set saw Preston take command from the service line right away. The RedHawks' setter reeled off five straight points to open the frame, including two aces, staking the RedHawks to a 5-0 lead. Judson fought back to 14-10, but the early deficit proved too steep as the RedHawks closed out the match 15-10 to secure the five-set victory.
Preston finished with a team-high 22 assists while adding four service aces and 15 digs. Lintner led the offense with nine kills and two blocks, and libero Eva Everett anchored the defense with a match-high 29 digs.
Indiana University Northwest returns to action Thursday at 7 p.m., hosting Trinity Christian College for Dig Pink Night presented in partnership with the Side-Out Foundation. For more information, visit iunredhawks.com/DigPink.
