Indiana University-East recently issued the following announcement.
Two matches, two storylines, and ultimately two wins for the Indiana University East volleyball team on Opening Day.
IU East started its 2021 season Aug. 18 with victories against Southeastern University and Milligan University at the Keiser Volleyball Invitational sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.
Storyline 1: The comeback.
The Red Wolves found themselves playing uphill on the scoreboard throughout the morning match against a Southeastern team that produced 20-win seasons in three of the last four years.
With their backs to the wall down 13-11 in the fifth set, IU East summoned one final push to claim five of the next six points and the win in the program's first five-set match since 2019. Jessica Swimm put away two timely kills. Brooke Lepper had a hand in a block that tied it at 13-13 and contributed to another block on match point.
Final score: 16-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 16-14 in favor of the Red Wolves.
"We started out playing with a bit of nerves, but worked things out and came back stronger as a team," Lepper said. "The energy both on the court and on the bench carried us through the rough patches, and we got the 'dub' by trusting our training."
Added setter Reece Shirley: For our first game, I am super proud of the team and how we were able to put what we do in practice onto the court. I think this game showed what we are capable of, and we can only go up from now. Trusting each other and our training is how we came out on top."
Storyline 2: The sweep
The Red Wolves returned to the Student Life Center court a few hours later and swept Milligan University by scores of 25-17, 25-17, 25-16.
IU East won the first eight points of the match and never looked back.
IU East finishes its Florida trip with two more matches Aug. 19. IU East tests itself against No. 2 University of Jamestown at 10 a.m. The Red Wolves conclude the event against Webber International University at 2 p.m.
Original source can be found here.
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