KOKOMO, Ind. – Campbellsville split the opening day of the IU Kokomo Invitational, falling to the host, #18 Indiana University Kokomo, before earning a dramatic four-set victory over Siena Heights University (Mich).

• The Tigers clinched the win against Siena Heights with a thrilling comeback. Fighting off four consecutive set points while trailing 20-24 in the fourth set, they won 26-24.
• Libero Maddie Pennington had a spectacular defensive performance against Siena Heights, recording a career-high 32 digs.
• Libby Erwin powered the offense throughout the day, posting a team-high 13 kills against IU Kokomo and following up with another 18 kills against Siena Heights, for a total of 31 on the day.
• Mya Leach and Kati Vest recorded double-doubles in the win over Siena Heights; Leach had 15 kills and 10 digs, while Vest tallied 39 assists and 15 digs.
• Campbellsville returns to action tomorrow against IU East and Madonna University in Day 2 of the IUK Invitational at 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. ET.

Match 1: Campbellsville 1, #18 IU Kokomo 3
In the first match, the Cougars struck first and set the tone with an early 4-1 lead. Campbellsville responded by involving their middles, with setter Kati Vest showing her offensive power. Despite their efforts, IU Kokomo's fast-paced offense took the first set 25-17.

In the second, Campbellsville came out strong. Trailing 18-20, the Tigers mounted a pivotal 5-0 run on Maddie Pennington's serve, including two crucial blocks, to take a 23-20 lead and seal the 25-23 win to even the match.

The third set became a back-and-forth battle, but the Cougars used their middles effectively to pull away 25-1966. IU Kokomo carried that energy into the fourth, jumping to a 5-0 lead and never looking back, closing the match 25-18.

Match 2: Campbellsville 3, Siena Heights 1
Determined to turn the day around, Campbellsville started hot in their second match against Siena Heights. Libby Erwin opened with a kill, and the Tigers found their rhythm to secure the first set 25-18. Siena Heights responded in the second, and despite Campbellsville closing the gap late, the Saints held on 25-23.

The Tigers answered with authority in the third, fueled by a Leach ace and a dominant defensive performance from Maddie Pennington, cruising to a 25-13 win.

The fourth set turned into a thriller. Siena Heights surged ahead 11-4, forcing a Campbellsville timeout. The Tigers battled back behind clutch kills from Riley Thorne, eventually tying the score at 24. From there, Madison Farmer came up with a crucial block, and Mya Leach followed with a walk-off ace to seal the incredible 26-24 set and the match victory.