Red Wolves - IU East

Clear some space in the trophy case. The Indiana University East volleyball team is bringing home some hardware.

The Indiana University East volleyball team clinched the title at the Grace College Ramada Plaza Tournament with a taut 27-25, 25-23, 28-26 win against Cedarville University on Saturday morning.

The Red Wolves (3-0) fought off game points in two of the three games. The Yellow Jackets (1-2) were the reigning tournament champion.

"This is a big deal for IU East volleyball," IU East coach Charlie Brown said. "It's a grat jump start for our program and for the season."

Brandie Sanders (Indianapolis/Pike High School) led IU East in both kills (10) and digs (11).

Kait Ervin (West Alexandria, Ohio/Twin Valley South) added nine kills and six digs.

"Our blocking and hitting was a big plus," said sophomore Madison Qualkenbush (New Castle, Ind./New Castle High School). "We were hitting in places we needed to , and the passing led to our hitters being able to hit where they needed to."

The match featured big comebacks and big momentums shifts for both teams.

"We stayed focused each time we were down, and the back row played really well," Ervin said.

IU East had to erase a 13-5 deficit and later fended off four game points in the opening game. Ervin made a pair of clutch kills to erase Yellow Jacket game points. Stacie Muir (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) made a pair of crucial digs when Cedar ville had chances to clinch the game. IU East won the game when Muir and Jessica White (Sheldon, Ill.) combined on a big block.

The roles reversed in Game 2. The Red Wolves roared to an 11-2 lead and then had to hold off a Cedarville rally. The Yellow Jackets would get within one at 19-18 and 24-23, but never caught up. Brandie Sanders (Indianapolis/Pike High School) had a pair of timely kills late in the game.

Game 3 followed a similar script. IU East held the early advantage a 12-6, but Cedarville caught up quickly. The Yellow Jackets later had a pair of game points, but failed to convert. Kristin Waechter (Muncie, Ind./Daleville High School) came up with a pair of tough digs to keep two key points alive.

The match ended on a missed Cedarville tip that landed just outside the sideline.

"As a coach you hate (close matches) because they're stressful," Brown said. "But in terms of having the confidence to fight back and overcome a deficit, for a young team, we showed a lot of maturity. A young team could give up real easy in a difficult match."