KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Indiana State recorded more kills than Tennessee. The Sycamores recorded more kills and more assists than the Lady Vols. The effort and energy and intensity equaled, if not surpassed, the SEC perennial power. But sometimes statistics don't tell the whole story and it would the Lady Vols that would claim a challenging 3-0 win Saturday evening in Knoxville.
 
At the end of the day, Indiana State (4-2) finished as runners-up at the Rocky Top Invitational and challenged the host Lady Vols. A steady improvement for a team that has already won more non-conference matches than a year ago.
 
Laura Gross led the Sycamores with 11 kills and 16 digs, recording her 26^th career double-double. Damadj Johnson was credited with three total blocks, including a block assist that moved her into sole possession of 10^th all-time in school history.
 
But the Lady Vols (6-0) would utilize a 9-6 advantage in blocks and a .063 hitting advantage (.239 to .176) to remain undefeated on the young season and to claim the first decided match in series history after the teams previously tied, 1-1, in 1977.
 
SET 1 – Tennessee 25, Indiana State 19

• The Lady Vols held a 20-17 lead before ending the set on a 5-2 run.
• Despite Indiana State posting a 16-11 advantage in kills, Tennessee held a .214 to .146 advantage in hitting percentage.
• UT held a 2-0 advantage in service aces.
• Laura Gross and Damadj Johnson registered four kills to lead ISU in the set.

SET 2 – Tennessee 26, Indiana State 24

• This marked the 11^th set (in 22 this season, a 50 percent mark) decided by four points or less for Indiana State.
• The set featured an astounding 16 ties and six lead changes.
• The teams were equal in total blocks (2-2) thanks to two block solos by Damadj Johnson.
• The teams equaled in kills (15-15) with Laura Gross and Madeline Williams both leading ISU with four each.

SET 3 – Tennessee 25, Indiana State 20

• Tennessee led in total blocks, 4-2, with Lady Vol Erica Treiber represented on all four blocks for Tennessee.
• The Sycamores only trailed in kills by two, 15-13.
• Laura Gross led ISU with five digs in the set.
• Indiana State led in digs, 16-13.
• Damadj Johnson led the Sycamores in kills with four.

NOTABLES

• Indiana State is now 0-1-1 against Tennessee all-time. The only previous meeting came in 1977, a 1-1 tie.
• Laura Gross registered her 27^th career double-double with 11 kills and 16 digs.
• This match marked the first time this season that Indiana State did not win the opening set.
• The Sycamores are now 2-1 in three-set matches this season.
• Damadj Johnson now has 209 career block assists, moving her into sole possession of 10^th all-time at Indiana State. Shari Runge (1984-87) ranks ninth with 215 career block assists.
• With the win, Indiana State has already won more non-conference matches in 2018 than they did a year ago.

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