Jackets Defeat Indy in Front of Record Crowd

In their first home game of the season, and in front of a record crowd Tuesday night, the Cedarville women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Indianapolis in a thrilling five sets, 17-25, 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, and 15-12.

More than 1,100 fans attended the game, breaking the previous record of 1,074 that was set three years ago against Mount Vernon Nazarene.

Tuesday’s first set was mostly even until halfway through when the Indy Greyhounds pushed ahead, 16-12. A series of attack errors from the Lady Jackets gave the first game to Indianapolis, 25-17.

The second set ended in dramatic fashion. Junior Kristin Cardwell had nine of her match-high 44 assists in the second set. Sophomore Krissy Pratt contributed six of her 11 kills in the frame. With the score tied at 24, Pratt rose up for a kill and the go-ahead point. The next point, Pratt tied the match 1-1 with a screaming service ace.

The Jackets turned set three into their own, winning 25-21. Cardwell compiled 12 more assists, while freshman Taylor Wilkerson added five kills.

Many of junior Angela Becker’s 23 digs came during a thrilling fourth set, but with the score tied at 23, a service error and an attack error by the Jackets forced a fifth and final game.

As the crowd roared, the Jackets jumped to an early 5-0 lead. Pratt earned four of those points with an ace and skilled defense at the net.

The Greyhounds refused to go away quietly, however, and made a comeback.

But with the score 14-12, Wilkerson hammered home her 12th kill of the match, leading the team to a victory.
Junior Abby Shelton, who finished last season third on the team with a total of 273 kills, led the Jackets Tuesday with 16 kills. Pratt led the team with her aforementioned 44 assists.

The Lady Jackets will compete in the Findlay Invitational Sept. 11-12 in Findlay, Ohio. The Jackets face Pitt-Johnstown and Mercyhurst Friday and Hillsdale and Findlay Saturday afternoon.

The Jackets play at home 7 p.m. Sept. 18 against Charleston.

View photos from the Lady Jackets’ home opener Sept. 8.

Dave Guidone is a senior social studies education major and sports reporter for Cedars. His hobbies include eating, snacking, shooting hoops and laughing. Hebrews 13:8.