Box Score The IU Columbus volleyball team earned a hard-fought road victory over Brescia University in five sets (20-25, 25-14, 25-24, 15-26, 15-13) Tuesday night in Owensboro, Kentucky.
After dropping the opening set, the Crimson Pride showed resilience by dominating the second frame behind senior Leah Thompson's efficient attacking and sophomore Cora Baker's steady presence at the net. Thompson finished with 15 kills on the night and Baker with 13.
Despite losing momentum in the third set, IU Columbus displayed their grit in a crucial fourth set. With their backs against the wall, the Pride outlasted the Bearcats 26-24 to force a decisive fifth set. The extra-point victory proved to be the turning point of the match, as IU Columbus carried that energy into the final frame.
The defensive effort was spearheaded by Alyvia Luce's outstanding performance of 29 digs, while setter Addison Lemon orchestrated the offense with 18 assists. The front-line defense showed up strong with Kera Wischmeier and Sadie Egan combining for multiple blocks, helping neutralize Brescia's Callie Mason, who still managed 18 kills for the Bearcats.
The victory improves IU Columbus to 9-11 overall and 5-8 in conference play, while Brescia falls to 7-23 (3-10). The Pride's balanced offensive attack, which produced 55Â kills and a .168 hitting percentage, ultimately proved too much for the Bearcats to handle in the decisive moments.
The Crimson Pride are back in action this Friday, November 1, at 7pm vs Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
