NEW ALBANY, Ind. - IU Southeast volleyball improved to 2-0 in conference play after a 3-1 win over Brescia in their 2026 home opener Friday night.
Natalie Pierce had a game-high four serving aces and had nine digs. Esther Woodward and Jordan Vaughan had 3.0 blocks each. Nicole Stratford led IU Southeast with 14 kills, followed by Woodward with ten. Carly Mason had game highs in assists (40) and digs (15).
IU Southeast is 5-8 (2-0 RSC) following Friday night's win over the Bearcats and will be back in action on Tuesday for a 6:00 p.m. home match against No. 21 Cumberlands.
Set 1: IU Southeast 25, Brescia 17
The Grenadiers got off to a fast start, scoring seven of the first nine and 14 of the first 20. IU Southeast never let the Bearcats get within five points and used the early run to cruise to a victory in set one.
Set 2: IU Southeast 25, Brescia 16
IU Southeast pulled away from Brescia midway through the second set. Leading 10-9, the Grenadiers went on an 11-2 run to go up 21-11. The Grenadiers used a kill by Vaughan, an ace from Ella Davidson, a BU serving error and a kill by Stratford to go up 2-0 in the match.
Set 3: Brescia 25, IU Southeast 17
Brescia battled back in set three and jumped out to an early 9-3 lead. The Grenadiers were unable to get within four of the Bearcats and would take the second set. After three sets, IU Southeast led the match 2-1.
Set 4: IU Southeast 25, Brescia 21
IU Southeast held a narrow, 13-12 lead midway through set four before pulling away. The Grenadiers scored seven of the next nine points and led 20-14. Brescia made a push late, cutting the lead to three, but IU Southeast slammed the door on their comeback bid. Mason connected with Woodward for the point that secured the match for the Grenadiers.
