SOUTH BEND, IN — The IU South Bend women's volleyball team has shown significant improvement this season from the prior two seasons through their non-conference slate. With five wins already this season, the Titans have won more games than they did during the entirety of the previous season, which they finished with a record of 3-27. Four of their five wins this season came during their non-conference schedule, a notable increase from last year.

The team's non-conference schedule included several tournaments where they secured wins. At the Loyola New Orleans Tournament, they defeated Florida Memorial University (3-0) and Loyola University New Orleans (3-2). They also earned a win at the IU Kokomo Tournament, with a 3-2 victory over Bryan College.

Several individual players have been key contributors to this early success. Newcomers have made an immediate impact, with freshman middle hitter Alyssa Carson leading the team with 100 kills and freshman middle hitter Kendall Gerdes adding 32 kills and a team-high 20 blocks. Sophomore pins Emily Adams and Emalee Maesch have also been impactful, with Maesch contributing 74 kills and 121 digs, and Adams adding 17 kills and 67 digs.

Returners are also providing strong contributions. Senior middle hitter Ryleigh Grott has added 64 kills and 21 blocks. Junior setter Brynn Lake is a key playmaker with 255 assists, while senior defensive specialist Sydney Hannah leads the team with 247 digs. Junior pin Taylor Hostetler has also been a force on offense with 78 kills.

IU South Bend begins their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule on Tuesday at home when they take on Judson. Game time is 7:00 PM in the Student Activities Center.