Kokomo, IN - Bryan College volleyball experienced the highs and lows of competitive play during Friday's tournament action at the IUK Invitational, splitting their two matches with a hard-fought loss to IU East followed by a disappointing defeat against Madonna University.

The Lions opened the tournament with a competitive four-set battle against IU East, falling 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 17-25, 24-26), before struggling in their second match, dropping a straight-set decision to Madonna 0-3 (12-25, 14-25, 17-25).

Game 1: Competitive Showing Against IU East
Bryan's opening match against IU East showcased the team's offensive potential and fighting spirit. Despite the loss, the Lions demonstrated they could compete at a high level, particularly in their dominant 25-18 second-set victory that highlighted their capabilities when firing on all cylinders.

Sophomore outside hitter Ella Wheatcroft emerged as Bryan's offensive leader, recording 13 kills on an efficient .391 hitting percentage. Her powerful attacks kept the Lions in contention throughout the match and provided a glimpse of the offensive firepower the team possesses.

Leah Lindquist and Camryn Daniels provided excellent support, contributing 9 kills (.222) and 8 kills (.357) respectively. The balanced offensive attack created problems for IU East's defense and kept pressure on throughout the four sets.

Setter Maya Gipson orchestrated the offense masterfully, distributing 21 assists while maintaining steady leadership on the court. Her ability to find multiple attackers kept IU East's blockers guessing and created numerous scoring opportunities.

Defensively, libero Avery Baxter anchored the back row with 10 digs, while Shelby Kelly contributed 12 digs along with 6 kills, showcasing her versatility as an all-around player.

The match's competitive nature was evident in the final set, where Bryan pushed IU East to the limit before falling 24-26, demonstrating the team's resilience and ability to compete in pressure situations.

Game 2: Struggles Against Madonna
Bryan's second match of the day proved more challenging as they faced a talented Madonna squad that took control early and maintained dominance throughout the straight-set victory.

The Lions managed just 24 kills compared to Madonna's 43, struggling to find rhythm against an aggressive Madonna defense. Shelby Kelly led Bryan's offensive efforts with 10 kills, but the team hit an uncharacteristic .000 as a unit, indicating the difficulty they faced against Madonna's defensive schemes.

Leah Lindquist added 6 kills despite challenging conditions, while Bella Beard contributed 3 kills in her tournament debut. The team's young players gained valuable experience competing against high-level opposition. Maya Gipson continued her solid playmaking with 12 assists, though the team's offensive struggles limited scoring opportunities throughout the match.

The Lady Lions will set out for Day 2 of the IU Kokomo Invitational tomorrow morning. They will take on #20 University of the Cumberlands at 10:00 AM and IU South Bend at 12:15 pm.