MARION, IND. – No. 7 Indiana Wesleyan volleyball earned a hard fought win over No. 24 Marian on Wednesday, defeating the Knights 3-1. The win gives IWU its second consecutive Crossroads League Regular Season title. Several Wildcats had standout performances in the match with nearly four recording 20 digs.

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, Ind.
• Records: IWU – 26-2, 16-0 CRL  | MU – 19-7, 10-6 CRL
• NAIA Top-25 Ranking: IWU – #7 | MU – #24

MATCH VITALS

• IWU took an early lead in set one, but a 6-0 run from the Knights put them ahead 13-10.  A 9-1 run followed, giving Marian full control of the first set as they held on for a 25-18 victory.
• The Wildcats looked to change momentum early in set two, jumping out to a 10-3 lead and forcing a Marian timeout. MU pulled within 2 points several timed, but the Wildcats used a 7-3 run late in the set to give them just enough room for a 25-20 win.
• Indiana Wesleyan too a 17-14 lead in set three after the teams battled through the early portion of the set. The Knights pulled within a single point at 20-19, but the home team ended the set on a 5-1 run to secure a 2 sets to 1 lead.
• Marian took control early in set four, forcing an early Wildcat timeout at 8-4. After fighting back to tie the game, IWU used a 4-0 run to take a 2 point lead and force a MU timeout. The teams battled to a tie at 25-25, before kills from Eva Joldersma and Martina Demarchi secured a 28-26 win and a second straight Crossroads League title.
• Eva Joldersma had a match high 20 kills. Martina Demarchi posted 19.
• Marissa Mullins and Abbigail Porter  led IWU with 5 blocks each. Julia Price recorded 4.
• Cadee Notter led the way with 28 digs. Camaya Murry, Dayessi Luis, and Joldersma each fell just sort of the 20 mark with 19. Porter tallied 13.
• Porter also recorded 43 assists despite not playing most of the first set.

MOATS PERSPECTIVE

• “Tonight was a great battle. Marian challenged us in every way,” said Head Coach Candace Moats. “I am so proud of the fight, the heart, and the courage to keep together and believe even in the midst of unfortunate circumstances. This team is special and I couldn’t be more proud. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us!”

LOOKING FORWARD

• IWU will face Taylor at home on Saturday at 4:00 PM for Senior Day.