GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest volleyball opened its 2026 season with a comeback victory Wednesday night, defeating Goshen University 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22) at the Savannah Center. The RedHawks overcame an opening-set loss by taking over in each of the next three sets to earn their first win of the season.
Goshen controlled the early stages of the opening set, but IU Northwest stayed within striking distance behind kills from Amie Schutz, Kaelan Murphy and Raniyah Preston. The RedHawks continued to answer each Goshen run, with Brooklyn Perry adding a late kill to keep the set within reach. The teams traded points into the final stretch before Goshen secured the 26-24 victory.
IU Northwest answered in the second set with its most efficient offensive performance of the night. The RedHawks hit .237 as Schutz, Murphy and Trinitie Lintner helped keep the attack moving. Gabi Lilovich distributed the ball effectively, finishing the match with 20 assists. IU Northwest maintained its advantage late and closed out the set 25-21 to even the match.
The RedHawks carried that momentum into the third set. Goshen opened with early points, but IU Northwest responded with kills from Lilovich and Murphy to settle into a rhythm. Lintner provided a presence at the net with three solo blocks on the night, helping the RedHawks create separation. IU Northwest held Goshen to a .132 hitting percentage in the set and finished with a 25-19 win to take a 2-1 lead.
The fourth set featured another battle as both teams exchanged points early. IU Northwest continued to find offense through Schutz and Murphy, while Lilovich added another service ace to help maintain the pressure. Lintner came through with consecutive kills during a late stretch, and the RedHawks closed the match by taking the fourth set 25-22.
Schutz led the RedHawks with 15 kills on .273 hitting and 20 digs. Murphy added nine kills, while Lintner recorded eight kills and three solo blocks. Lilovich finished with six kills, 20 assists and five service aces, while Eva Everett anchored the defense with 18 digs.
IU Northwest returns to action Aug. 28-29 when the RedHawks travel to Dubuque, Iowa, for a two-day tournament hosted by Clarke University.
