KOKOMO, Ind. -- After winning their River States Conference opener 48 hours prior, the Midway women's volleyball team hit the road on Thursday (Sept. 14) for their toughest test of the season when they battled IU Kokomo (Ind.), who is currently ranked 21st in the NAIA poll.

It was a tough outing for the Blue and Gold as they struggled to slow down the Cougars' offensive attack, suffering a 3-0 defeat (25-18, 25-13, 25-19).

With the loss, the Eagles slip to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in league play, while IU Kokomo improves 10-3 overall and 1-0 in RSC play.

The Cougars – who notched 10 more kills than the visitors – finished the match with 42 kills in their 99 swings to post a .323 hitting mark. Midway amassed 32 kills but committed 18 miscues in 101 attempts to record just a .139 hitting percentage.

Aubry Koester (Apple Valley, Calif.) led the way with nine kills to go with her nine digs, while Anju Sugiya (Tokyo, Japan) added seven kills and a .429 attacking clip.

Valerie Ramos (San Juan, Puerto Rico) dished out a match-best 24 assists, while tying the team-high with 11 digs. Emma Krutsinger (Corbin, Ky.) also picked up 11 digs in the loss.

The Eagles are set to return to action on Tuesday (Sept. 19) when they host Oakland City (Ind.) in an RSC West Division matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m. ET inside Marshall Gymnasium.

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