Red Wolves - IU East

Lauren Crump saw a familiar name at the top of the NAIA volleyball national assist leaders list on Oct. 4.

Crump (Indianapolis, Ind./Scecina Memorial High School) moved to the top of the NAIA national assist leaders list after the Indiana University East volleyball team's two Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference wins on Oct. 2.

Crump, a sophomore, is averaging 11.8 assists per game for the 22-0 IU East volleyball team.

She passed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Adriana Vazquez (11.6 assists per game) for the top spot.

"Of course I was shocked," Crump said. "But then I immediately felt motivated to keep the top spot!

"It says something about our team as a whole. In order for me to look good, my passers have to be on point and my hitters have to be killing the ball!"

Crump broke every significant IU East assist record during her freshman season in 2009. She finished her first season with the Red Wolves as the school's leader in assists in a match, a season and in a career.

IU East coach Charlie Brown said Crump came back even better in 2010.

"She has matured into a true leader both on and off of the court," Brown said. "She worked hard in the offseason at getting stronger and in better shape physically, and it has really showed in her game this season.

"She is playing with all the attributes of an All-American."

Brown calls Crump the Peyton Manning of the Red Wolves volleyball team - a fitting comparison since Crump is an Indianapolis native.

Crump and the Red Wolves return to action Oct. 6 at home against Huntington University at Seton Catholic High School in Richmond.

Don't expect a letup from the nation's top assist producer.

"It's something I've worked very hard for, but I'm not satisfied!" she said.

The NAIA volleyball statistics are updated daily.

Click http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/MultiTeam/IndividualLeaders.aspx?association=10&sg=WVB&sea=NAIWVB_2010&division=NAIWVB1 to view the NAIA volleyball statistics leaders.

Crump isn't the only IU East player who shows up among the NAIA's statistics leaders.

Freshman middle hitter Caitlin Burroughs started the week 11th in the NAIA in blocks per game (1.330) and 31st in hitting percentage (0.345).

Sophomore middle hitter Breezy Strete (Troy, Ohio/Troy High School) started the week 19th in the NAIA in hitting percentage (0.369).