TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State battled in each set of their match with Valparaiso on Saturday, but ultimately the Crusaders earned their first conference win by sweeping the Sycamores, 3-0.
 
Offensively the Sycamores had a better match, hitting .252, higher than Valparaiso's .250. The Crusaders held the edge in kills, 49-38 and assists, 41-36.
 
Nikkie White was the only Tree to end the match with double-digit kills, tallying 10 during the match and freshman Gretchen Kuckkan added eight. In the assist category, Mary Hannah Lewis led the blue and white with 17 to go along with eight digs.
 
Valparaiso was led by Peyton McCarthy on the offensive side of the net as she recorded 17 kills while Brittany Anderson earned 35 assists to lead the match.
 
Defensively the Sycamores dominated the net, recording seven total blocks to the Crusaders' one. Kylie Newby had an impressive night with five block assists while Kuckkan added three.
 
The Crusader defense was strong in the reception category, recording 60 total digs to Indiana State's 47. Setter Chloe Mason led the Sycamores with nine while Lewis was right behind her with eight.
 
ISU will be back in action for Homecoming next Friday, Oct. 11 at the ISU Arena when they host in-state rival Evansville. First serve is set for 6 p.m.
 
Set One - Valparaiso 25, Indiana State 21

• The Sycamores out-hit the Crusaders, .275-.250, but Valpo ended the set with an 18-13 edge in kills.
• White recorded four kills in the frame.
• Mason earned six assists and added four digs, both of which led the Trees.
• At the net, Newby earned two of her five block assists.

 
Set Two - Valparaiso 25, Indiana State 20

• Both teams hit well in the frame with Valpo swinging at .350 and ISU at .303.
• Indiana State tallied 11 kills, four of which came from Kuckkan.
• Lewis and Mason both ended the set with five assists.
• Valpo had the edge in digs, 19-14.

 
Set Three - Valparaiso 25, Indiana State 21

• ISU held the edge in hitting percent and kills, hitting .190 and earning 14 kills in the final set.
• Lewis earned eight more assists for her total, leading the team.
• The setter also led the blue and white in digs, adding six of the 20 total in the set.
• Newby and Kuckkan were solid once again at the net with two block assists each.

 
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