Indiana State snapped a five-match losing streak against Valparaiso, rallying for a five-set road win after being overwhelmed in the second set. Kira Holland led the Sycamores with 15 kills and 13 digs, while Hadley Hardersen set a career high with 37 assists.

By the Numbers
  • Set scores: Indiana State won 25-22, 25-21 and 15-13; Valparaiso won 25-4 and 25-23.
  • Holland recorded 15 kills and 13 digs; Taylor Knuth added 10 kills.
  • Indiana State hit .117 overall, compared with Valparaiso’s .223.
  • The Sycamores are 5-2 in five-set matches this season.
  • Holland now has 1,029 career kills, moving into 10th place in program history.
Yes, But

Indiana State won despite hitting more than 100 points below Valparaiso’s overall attack percentage—and scoring just four points in the second set, its fewest in a match it won during the rally-scoring era. The comeback was powered by stronger defense in the Sycamores’ three winning sets, when Valparaiso hit .111, .103 and .045.

State of Play
  • Both of Indiana State’s conference wins this season have come in five-set road comebacks.
  • The victory was the Sycamores’ first at Valparaiso since March 22, 2021, and their first against the Beacons since October 30, 2021.
  • Indiana State begins a four-match homestand Tuesday against Evansville, with first serve at 6 p.m.
Bottom Line

Indiana State’s resilience carried the day: after a 21-point second-set loss and a third-set setback, the Sycamores steadied their defense and finished the match with a 15-13 win.