The Grenadiers hosted the Campbellsville Tigers on Oct. 11. The game was close during all five sets.
When the Tigers and Grenadiers met at the beginning of the season, IU Southeast fell to Campbellsville in fair sets. The Grenadiers previously played the Tigers on Aug. 28, where they were defeated 25-16, 23-25, 25-15, 25-19.
Going into the rematch, Sara Schum, sophomore middle blocker, said the team was more prepared to face off against the Tigers.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Schum said. “Everyone is just ready to play.”
Their preparation showed on the court when the Grenadiers secured a victory in five sets: 25-21, 21-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-11.
The Grenadiers had a record-breaking night with three players setting career-highs for single-match kills. Schum lead with 19 kills, followed by Lindsey Maymon, senior outside hitter, with 13 and PJ Cockerell, senior middle blocker, with nine. Meaghen Tompkins, sophomore defensive specialist, added 52 assists for the Grenadiers.
“I went out and tried my hardest, and it was a success,” Cockerell said.
The Tigers started the game, claiming the first point. The Grenadiers came back and fought for the win of this set, as the score remained tight during the first match. Tompkins served the ball and kept the Tigers moving.
The Tigers utilized two time outs during the first set. They came back and started to rack up points but not fast enough. The Grenadiers won this set, 25-21.
During the second set, the Tigers stepped up defensively, blocking better and returning more serves back to the Grenadiers. Kennedy Shutter, freshman for the Tigers, had multiple aces, leading the Grenadiers to drop the set 20-25.
The fourth set went back and forth and had the crowd roaring for the home team. The Tigers were determined to go into another set. The Tigers played tough, and the Grenadiers could not make a comeback, losing this set 20-25.
The Grenadiers rallied the fifth set with Coral Maybrier, freshman outside hitter, leading the Grenadiers with three kills. Emily Knight, sophomore defense specialist, secured the five-set victory with an ace.
“I thought it was the best game all season,” Schum said. “They are a very tough competitor.”
Katie Tinsley, assistant coach, said that the team played a great game.
“Positive attitude is a key to success, and the girls had a positive attitude tonight,” Tinsley said.
Cockerell said the team overcame the communication issues they have been battling during previous games.
“After this game it was like having a new team,” Cockerell said. “We all bonded a lot more and communicated a lot better. This is what we needed.”
By JEREMY EILER
Staff
jreiler@ius.edu
