VALPARAISO, Ind. – Sophomore Damadj Johnson led the charge for Indiana State volleyball Friday night as the Sycamores swept Valparaiso, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) inside the ARC. It marked the first meeting between the two programs since 2015 and the first as conference foes.
 
Johnson, an East St. Louis, Illinois product dominated throughout the night, finishing with a game high 14 kills on just 20 attacks for a .650 attacking percentage. The middle blocker also led the charge defensively with six blocks for the Sycamores (6-14, 4-4 MVC).
 
Laura Gross added to her double-double total with a 12 kill - 13 digs performance while senior Sarah Peterson had eight kills for the Sycamores.
 
The Sycamores rallied in both the first and third sets to overcome early deficits en route to the win. After the Crusaders reeled off four-straight points midway through the match to take an 18-15 lead, ISU answered with a 6-1 run to seize momentum.
 
Valpo answered with a 3-1 run of their own to tie the match at 23 before freshman Nikkie White picked up a kill and a block to secure the 25-23 set win.
 
It was all Sycamores in the second set as the squad hit .244 and held Valpo to just .093 hitting. Indiana State jumped out to a 12-9 lead and never looked back.
 
Indiana State would use a late run in the third set to secure the match win, 25-22. The Trees posted their best defensive set of the night, holding their counterparts to just a .043 attacking percent, the best of the season for the ISU defense.
 
The Crusaders (9-10, 2-5 MVC) were led by Taylor Graboski who had 13 kills on 29 attempts.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Johnson's 12 kills marked the second-best total of the season
• ISU outhit Valpo, 298 to .124
• The sweep marks the second of the season for the Sycamores
• Indiana State dominated the net, accounting for 10 total blocks while the Crusaders had just four
• Valpo recorded seven service aces in the match while ISU had just one coming from Stephanie Bindernagel
• ISU's most efficient set came in the opener when the team amassed a .394 attacking percent

 
Next Up
The Sycamores continue their weekend with a road test in Chicago against Loyola. First serve is slated for 8 p.m. ET.
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Volleyball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.