Box Score The IU Columbus Crimson Pride volleyball team emerged victorious in a thrilling five-set match against Boyce on August 30, 2024, at the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods tournament. The final score was 3-2 in favor of IU Columbus (25-13, 20-25, 25-20, 15-25, 15-13), improving their season record to 1-1.
 
The Crimson Pride started strong, dominating the first set 25-13. However, Boyce quickly regrouped and took the second set 25-20, evening the match. The back-and-forth battle continued as IU Columbus claimed the third set 25-20, only to see Boyce force a decisive fifth set by winning the fourth 25-15.
 
In the nail-biting final set, IU Columbus dug deep and secured a narrow 15-13 victory, showcasing their resilience and team spirit.
 
Several players stood out for the Crimson Pride. Cora Baker led the offensive charge with an impressive 12 kills and a .174 hitting percentage. She also contributed defensively with 5 digs and was part of 3 blocks. Sadie Egan proved to be a versatile asset, recording 7 kills, 15 digs, and leading the team with 5 service aces.
 
Abigail Watson was a force at the net, tallying 7 kills and an outstanding 11 blocks, frustrating Boyce's attackers throughout the match. Leah Thompson anchored the defense with a team-high 16 digs, while Addison Lemon orchestrated the offense brilliantly with 40 assists and added 4 service aces.
 
The game statistics reflected the closely contested nature of the game. IU Columbus narrowly edged out Boyce in kills (39-38) and hitting percentage (.144 to .076). The Crimson Pride's serving prowess was evident with 14 aces compared to Boyce's 7, which proved to be a crucial factor in the victory.
 
Defensively, IU Columbus showcased their blocking skills with 12 total blocks (3 solo, 18 assists) versus Boyce's 9 (5 solo, 8 assists). The Crimson Pride also had a slight edge in digs, 51 to 49, demonstrating their determination to keep rallies alive.
 
This hard-fought victory early in the season will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the IU Columbus team as they continue their 2024 campaign. The Crimson Pride's ability to perform under pressure and secure a win in a five-set thriller bodes well for their prospects in future matches.  There's not much time for the Crimson Pride to celebrate as IU Columbus is back at it again at 4 P.M. tonight.