GARY, Ind. – For the first time in program history, IU Northwest defeated St. Francis (Ill.) in straight sets, sweeping the Saints 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 on Tuesday night inside an energized Savannah Center. The victory marked the RedHawks' fourth win over USF since 2012 and their first since 2019, when they won in five sets.

The RedHawks (5-10, 2-0 CCAC) fed off the home crowd's energy in the home opener. After the Saints rallied to tie the first set at 8-8 with a string of service aces, IU Northwest responded with a block from Julianna Kisel and Kaelan Murphy that turned the tide. Lindsey Krueger added back-to-back kills late in the frame, and Murphy sealed it with a swing from the outside for the 25-21 finish.

Set two was a grind. St. Francis jumped out to a 7-5 lead, but IU Northwest answered behind a service ace from Murphy and a string of kills from Krueger. The RedHawks pushed ahead 19-14 before the Saints surged back to tie it 20-20. With the crowd on its feet, Gabi Lilovich closed the frame with a kill, giving IU Northwest the 25-23 edge.

IU Northwest carried its momentum into the third set, racing out to a 6-0 lead behind Krueger and Everett. The Saints clawed back late, cutting the deficit to 23-22. After a timeout, Raniyah Preston delivered the final blow, hammering down the match-winning kill to cap a 25-23 win and ignite the Savannah Center.

Krueger led the RedHawks with 11 kills and 12 digs, while Preston added 9 kills and 12 assists. Lilovich was pivotal with 7 kills, 16 assists and 11 digs, while Everett anchored the defense with six digs and two service aces.

"The energy in the Savannah Center was incredible tonight, and our team really fed off it," Head Coach Alondra Avalos said. "We stayed disciplined in big moments and found a way to close out each set. I'm proud of the grit this group showed."

IU Northwest looks to continue its CCAC winning streak Thursday, Sept. 11, when it hosts Governors State at 7 p.m. in the Savannah Center.