Kokomo, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo improved their record to 4-14 in front of a home crowd on Thursday night defeating Indiana University Northwest in straight sets (25-15, 25-18, 25-11).

Coach Snoddy and the team knew there was an opportunity for a home victory against the RedHawks who came in struggling with a 1-12 record. On paper, the Cougars were the favorite and Coach Snoddy expressed her excitement with the growth her team showed in meeting those expectations.

"This was an important win for us. IU Northwest is struggling this year and for us to get a win against them shows that we are maturing," said Coach Snoddy. "This was a match that we knew we could win if we played well and we got it done. I told the team after the win that this is the best kind of win, everyone contributed and it was a total team effort."

Juniors Carlee Davis (Medaryville /West Central H.S. [Ancilla College]) and Miranda Hammons (Indianapolis/North Adams Jerome H.S. [Ancilla College]) led IU Kokomo at the net with 8 kills each for IU Kokomo. 

"We received solid performances by hitters Carlee Davis and Miranda Hammons tonight," said Snoddy. "I thought all of our hitters hit harder than they have been. Several hitters have not been making sufficient approaches to really pound the ball, and last night I felt they focused on that and executed better."

Freshman setter Cortney Hanson (Logansport/Pioneer H.S.) had a team high 14 assists and sophomore Lael Burrus (Denver/North Miami H.S.) led the way with 12 digs on the defensive end for the Cougars. 

"Cortney Hanson had a great all-around performance and her serving gave Northwest some fits," said Coach Snoddy.

The Cougars return to action on the road this Saturday in Lima, Ohio for the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) Tri-Match.  IU Kokomo takes on the host team UNOH (11:00am) followed by a match-up against Ursuline College (2:30pm). 

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.