Box Score In their first match of the 2024 season, IU Columbus women's volleyball team fell to Marian University in a straight-set loss (15-25, 19-25, 17-25) on Wednesday evening at the PE Center in Indianapolis.
 
The young IU Columbus squad struggled to find their rhythm against a more experienced Marian team, which improved to 2-0 on the season. Despite moments of promise, IU Columbus was unable to overcome Marian's strong offensive performance and consistent play.
 
Leah Thompson led the offensive effort for IU Columbus with 7 kills, while Cora Baker and Maddie Hunter each contributed 5 kills. Defensively, Baker stood out with a team-high 17 digs, followed closely by Sadie Egan with 13.
 
Egan also showcased her versatility, leading the team with 9 assists and adding a service ace. Addisson Lemon contributed 12 assists and 2 service aces, demonstrating potential in the setter position.
 
However, IU Columbus struggled with attack efficiency, posting a .000 hitting percentage for the match compared to Marian's .193. The team also faced challenges in serve receive, allowing 6 aces while committing 6 reception errors.
 
Despite the loss, there were glimpses of potential for IU Columbus. Kera Wischmeier showed promise with 4 kills and a .231 hitting percentage, the highest on the team for players with more than one attempt.
 
As IU Columbus looks to rebound from this opening loss, they will aim to improve their offensive consistency and reduce errors in upcoming matches. The team's ability to learn from this experience against a strong opponent like Marian will be crucial for their growth throughout the season.
 
IU Columbus will look to secure their first win of the season in their next match. The Crimson Pride play again on August 24th at Rose-Hulman.