Red Wolves - IU East

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - The Red Wolves' newest volleyball trophy has almost no blemishes.

The Indiana University East volleyball team improved to 10-0 after winning the title at the University of Rio Grande Aces in August Classic on Aug. 28.

If there had been any tarnish on the Red Wolves' perfect start, it was a tendency to allow the game scores to get closer as the matches went on.

Not so on Aug. 28.

IU East defeated Martin Methodist College 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 in the final match of pool play.

Then the Red Wolves beat the University of the Cumberlands 25-11, 25-14, 25-6 in the tournament semifinals.

IU East capped its day with a 25-21, 25-14, 25-10 defeat of Martin Methodist in the championship game.

"Now that's how you close out a tournament!" Red Wolves coach Charlie Brown told his players as they collected their trophy.

Red Wolves junior right side hitter Paige Lay (Bloomington/Normal, Ill.) and freshman outside hitter Allison Nicley (Lebanon, Ind./Western Boone High School) were named to the all-tournament team.

"It could have been any of our players, the way they all contributed," Brown said.

Nicley led IU East with 30 kills, nine aces and a .446 hitting percentage in three matches.

"I'm overwhelmed," Nicley said. "I'm surprised in a way because we did this together as a team.

"Without the back row and the set, I wouldn't be able to get the kill."

Freshman middle hitter Caitlin Burroughs (Richmond, Ind./Northeastern High School) finished the day with nine solo blocks and nine block assists.

She tied IU East's single match school record with five solo blocks against Cumberlands.

Sophomore defensive specialist/libero Madison Qualkenbush led the defense with 29 digs.

Sophomore setter Lauren Crump (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina Memorial High School) distributed 108 assists.

The only nervous moment of the weekend came when Martin Methodist got within 24-23 in the third game of the morning match.

The Red Wolves calmly set up Nicley for a kill. Game over. Match over.

A little bit later, tournament over.

IU East collected 11 blocks against Cumberlands (0-4) and ran off the last eight points of the semifinal match.

The Red Wolves served up 14 aces in the title match against Martin Methodist (3-2).

They called it the "Aces in August Classic" for a reason.

"Just great volleyball," Brown said. "They saved their best for last."

IU East is one win from matching the volleyball program's NAIA school record for best start. The 2007 team started 11-0.

"Everyone is doing a great job," Nicley said. "We just have to keep up the hard work. We have a harder schedule coming up and we have to keep working hard."

The Red Wolves return to action Sept. 1 at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Click here to view the box score from the IU East-Martin Methodist pool play match

Click here to view the box score from the IU East-Cumberlands match

Click here to view the box score from the IU East-Martin Methodist championship match