Box Score The IU Columbus volleyball team knew it would have its hands full as they prepared to play St. Mary of-the-Woods on Friday night at CERA Sports Park. The Pomeroys came in with a sparkling record of 32-1 and a 9-0 River States Conference mark. Head Coach Jose Olivo had his team ready from the start, and the crowd was fired up as well.

Before the start of the match the IU Columbus Athletic Department and Volleyball Staff recognized a milestone as sophomore setter Bailey Stevens had surpassed the 1,000 career assist level. Coach Olivo presented Stevens with a special volleyball for the occasion.

The first set started out back-and-forth with the visitors gaining a 5-4 lead. After winning the next point it was time for Stevens to serve. The sophomore from Yorktown, Indiana had two aces among the next six points as the Crimson Pride grabbed a six point lead of 11-5. In the middle of that run three consecutive kills by Mika Salinas, Journee Brown and Sadie Egan had the crowd loud and the team believing. St. Mary's team was not going to fold, however, and the rest of the first set was a real battle. When the score was 23-23 senior outside hitter Cora Baker's kill gave the Crimson Pride a set point. The Pomeroys committed a rare error and the Crimson Pride won the first set 25-23.

The second set was a definite letdown for the home team as the visitors upped their game. The Pomeroys came out hot. Senior libero Alyvia Luce reinjured her left shoulder and had to sit out the remainder of the match. St. Mary cruised through the second set 25-9.

The third set started with the Crimson Pride playing error-free and they were able to pressure the visitors into some mistakes. IU Columbus held a 12-10 lead before the tide turned. St. Mary's offense began pounding the kills at the net and roared back to outscore the Crimson Pride 15-4 and take the third set 25-16.

The fourth set followed much the same pattern as the third set. It was really just a matter of the 32-1 Pomeroys playing up to their record. and showing why they are undefeated in the River States Conference. The final set score was 25-17.

Next on the schedule: The Crimson Pride have a quick turnaround as they will host #23 ranked IU Kokomo on Saturday at CERA Sports Park for their final home match of the year. First Serve is set for 1:00 pm.