HUNTINGTON, IN – The IU Columbus volleyball team etched their names in school history this weekend, capturing four straight victories at the Forester Tournament hosted by Huntington University to start the 2025 season with an unprecedented 4-0 record – the first time in program history a Crimson Pride team has opened a season with four consecutive wins.

Over two dominant days of competition, Coach Olivo's squad showcased the depth, resilience, and championship mentality that has been building in the program. The historic weekend began Friday evening with a commanding 3-0 sweep of Governors State, followed by another straight-set victory over Wilberforce (OH) later that night.

Day One Dominance

The Crimson Pride wasted no time announcing their arrival, dismantling Governors State 25-15, 25-20, 25-18 in their tournament opener. Junior outside hitter Cora Baker led the offensive charge with 14 kills and a .357 attack percentage, while Journee Brown added 8 kills in the balanced attack that saw IU Columbus hit .151 as a team.

The nightcap against Wilberforce proved to be another showcase of the Crimson Pride's balanced offensive attack. Ruthie Bingham stepped up with 9 points and 8 kills on a .235 hitting percentage, while the team's defensive effort held Wilberforce to a -.103 team attack percentage. The 25-18, 25-14, 25-10 victory sent IU Columbus into day two with momentum and confidence.

Historic Saturday Finish

Saturday morning brought the weekend's most dramatic contest – a thrilling five-set victory over Governors State. After taking the first two sets (25-10, 25-18), Governors State fought back, taking sets three and four (27-25, 25-22) forcing a decisive fifth set. In the winner-take-all fifth set, IU Columbus rose to the occasion, claiming a 15-11 victory behind the tournament's most complete team performance. Ruthie Bingham exploded for 18 points and 16 kills on a .268 attack percentage, while Cora Baker added 14.5 points and 13 kills with a .324 hitting percentage. The duo's 29 combined kills powered the Crimson Pride through the marathon match.

The tournament finale against Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.) provided the perfect punctuation mark on a historic weekend. The Crimson Pride cruised to a 25-14, 25-18, 25-11 sweep, with Cora Baker recording 7 kills and 8.5 points while hitting .385. The dominant performance showcased the team's ability to maintain focus and intensity.

Record-Setting Numbers

The statistical story of the weekend tells the tale of a complete team effort. Cora Baker emerged as the tournament's standout performer, totaling 36 kills across four matches while maintaining consistent offensive efficiency. Ruthie Bingham proved to be the clutch performer when needed most, delivering her best performance in the pressure-packed five-set thriller.

Defensively, the Crimson Pride held three of their four opponents to sub .100 attack percentages, with outstanding contributions from Bailey Stevens, who managed the offense with precision throughout the tournament. The serving game remained consistent, with multiple players contributing aces across all four matches.

Looking Ahead

As the Crimson Pride returns to Columbus with their first-ever 4-0 start, the expectations have shifted from hope to genuine excitement about what this season might bring. The combination of veteran leadership from upperclassmen like Baker and Bingham, mixed with emerging contributors throughout the roster, has created a chemistry that was on full display in Huntington.

The historic 4-0 start represents more than just wins and losses. It signals the emergence of IU Columbus volleyball as a program ready to compete at the highest level, with the depth, talent, and mindset necessary for sustained success.

The 2025 season is still young, but the Crimson Pride have made it clear: they're not just here to participate – they're here to compete.

Next Match: August 27 at Marian University (Ind.) at 7:00 PM