WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Huntington University extended its unbeaten streak to five matches Wednesday evening, taking down St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in four sets (25–20, 25–19, 23–25, 25–19) at Platt Arena. 

The Foresters (5-0) showcased a balanced attack and a rock-solid defensive effort to outlast a scrappy Pomeroy squad playing in its season opener. Huntington out-hit St. Mary-Woods .159 to .141 and recorded 95 digs as a team, controlling the tempo in three of the four sets. 

Junior outside hitter Haley Kruse led Huntington with 13 kills and two service aces, finishing with 15 points. She was backed by an efficient performance from Leah Carter, who tallied 12 kills on just 18 swings for a blazing .611 hitting percentage. 

Kennedy Urban orchestrated the offense with 26 assists and 15 digs, while libero Layla Meyer anchored the back row with a match-high 27 digs. 

After dropping the first two sets, the Pomeroys found their rhythm in the third behind strong net play from Masa Pesic (12 kills, .237) and Karla Melendez (11 kills, 13.5 points), earning a 25–23 set win. 

Despite the momentum shift, Huntington responded in the fourth set with early pressure and consistent serving to pull away late and seal the match. 

“Saint Mary’s challenged us tonight in how they continuously adjusted their defense. It was a great match to walk away with confidence in finishing and executing aspects of our game plan while also walking away with knowledge of how we need to grow”, commented Coach Kelsey Herber. “Our setters did an excellent job of finding our middles in transition when the match was on the line and I am proud of how our middles were eager to score.” 

St. Mary-Woods (0–1) was led by setter Aden Britt, who tallied 15 assists and 16 digs. Libero Leishmarie Virella added 24 digs to keep the defense afloat, but the Pomeroys were hampered by 18 service errors.  

The Foresters will look to fan the flames of their start when they host IU-East next Tuesday in Platt Arena.