University of Southern Indiana Volleyball earned a non-conference win Tuesday evening, sweeping Midwest Region foe Oakland City University 25-22, 25-20, 25-16 at the Physical Activities Center.
After falling behind 14-12 in the first set, USI (5-13) scored the next four points to take a 16-14 advantage. The Mighty Oaks (11-8) would tie the set at 22 before kills by freshman outside hitter Alyssa Yochum (Columbia, Illinois) and sophomore right side hitter Elexis Coleman (Joliet, Illinois) put the Screaming Eagles ahead. The Eagles would then win the set with an ace.
Oakland City raced out to a 7-2 lead in the second set, forcing USI to take a timeout. The Eagles scored the next five points to tie the set, which was part of a 16-5 run to take an 18-12 advantage. The run was fueled by a pair of blocks by senior middle hitter Te’Ayla Whitfield (Fort Wayne, Indiana) and sophomore right side hitter Amanda Jung (Belleville, Illinois), as well as three kills by Coleman. Jung also had a pair of kills in the run.
The Oaks would get back within four points numerous times, but the Eagles were able to hold off the rallies.
USI controlled the third set, hitting .300 while holding the Oaks to .000. Trailing 11-10, the Eagles scored the next nine points to put the match away. Coleman again was a factor, tallying two kills and 1.5 blocks in the process.
For the match, Coleman had a .476 hitting percentage with 12 kills and 3.5 blocks. Jung picked up three blocks on the night to along with her eight kills. Sophomore outside hitter Mikaila Humphrey (Floyd Knobs, Indiana) also had double digit kills with 11, and freshman setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri) had 35 assists.
USI had 11 blocks as team compared to just three for Oakland City.
Next up for the Eagles is the Midwest Region Crossover at the Great Lakes Center Friday and Saturday in Aurora, Illinois. The Eagles are slated to play Northwood University Friday at 2:30 p.m., Ashland University Saturday at 10 a.m., and Ohio Valley University Saturday at 4 p.m.
