IU East News
The Red Wolves can't be afraid to be great.
It's a message Indiana University East volleyball coach Charlie Brown delivered to his players as they wrapped up Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships.
It's the same message Brown wants his players to take to heart as they prepare to play at No. 16 Taylor University on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. in a NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Round match.The winner advances to Sioux City, Iowa, the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Final Site.
"We can't be afraid to play," Brown said. "If we can overcome nerves and the hype of the moment, I think we'll be very competitive."
The IU East-Taylor matchup pairs one of the most tradition-rich programs in the NAIA with a program establishing a winning tradition of its own.
Taylor (34-5) this season became the first NAIA program to record 1,000 wins. The Trojans are making their fifth appearance in the NAIA National Championship.
IU East (30-11) is in just its third season of NAIA competition. The Red Wolves are making their first appearance in the NAIA National Championship.
The Trojans, who won the Mid-Central College Conference tournament, have won six in a row. Taylor is ranked 21st in the NAIA in hitting percentage (.263), 23rd in the NAIA in assists per game (12.02) and 24th in kills per game (13.13).
The Trojans' notable names are sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Pritchard and sophomore setter Betsy Brown.
Pritchard is fifth in the NAIA in kills per game with 4.43 and 32nd in the NAIA in hitting percentage at .344.
Brown is 11th in the NAIA in assists per game with 10.82.
IU East has won 10 in a row. The Red Wolves' roster includes four All-KIAC players - freshman middle hitter Breezy Strete (Troy, Ohio/Troy High School), freshman setter Lauren Crump (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina Memorial High School), freshman outside hitter Brandie Sanders (Indianapolis, Ind./Pike High School) and sophomore libero Madison Qualkenbush (New Castle, Ind./New Castle High School).
"We've got nothing to lose," Brown said. "We've hit every milestone we've set for this year. This is just icing on the cake.
"It's going to be about playing the best volleyball you can and let the best team win. If we go in there and play relaxed volleyball - focused but relaxed - I think we'll be very competitive, and who knows what will happen."
Admission to the Nov. 21 game at Odle Arena is $7 for adults and $4 for students. Youths ages 6 and under will be admitted free.
Click here to read the preview in the Richmond Palladium-Item.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Can't make it to the match in person? Follow the match online through live audio or live stats.
Click here to listen to the Taylor University live audio broadcast.
Click here to follow the Taylor University live stats.
