Courtesy: Tim Tushla
Courtesy: Tim Tushla

Defending National Champions Advance to Semifinals

SIOUX CITY, Iowa [BOX SCORE] - In a highly anticipated matchup in the 2024 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Quarterfinal, the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats defeated the St. Thomas (Fla.) Bobcats in straight sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-17). The victory improved Indiana Wesleyan's record to 35-2.

Indiana Wesleyan went on a 7-3 run to take the initial lead in the set. The Wildcats maintained that lead for the remainder of the set to win 25-18 with a kill from Eva Joldersma.

St. Thomas gained its first lead of the match at 4-3. The teams stayed within two points of each other until a tie score of nine when the Wildcats went on a 10-3 scoring run. The seven-point difference IWU created was enough space to close out the second set and win 25-16.

 A 7-2 scoring run at the beginning of the third set put IWU up five points to create the space the Wildcats needed to secure the set 25-17.

Indiana Wesleyan controlled the match, putting up 51 kills at a .342 kill percentage, compared to St. Thomas's 34 kills at a .125 kill percentage. 

Eva Joldersma led the way for Indiana Wesleyan with 17 kills on an impressive .607 hitting percentage. Martina Demarchi also played a crucial role in the victory and contributed 13 kills, and Marissa Mullins followed with 11 kills at a .588 hitting percentage. Camaya Murry led the Wildcats' defense with 14 digs, followed by Cadee Notter with 13 digs. 

Sana Dennis led the St. Thomas offense with 10 kills. Bianca Grassi led the Bobcats' defense, with a tally of 18 digs during the match, followed by Melanie Chiquillo with 14 digs. 

Overall, Indiana Wesleyan's strong offensive performance (IWU .342 - STU .125 hitting percentage) and solid defense at the net (IWU 16 total, 14 assisted; STU 8 assisted) proved to be the difference in the match, as they secured a spot in the semifinals and continue their Battle for the Red Banner.