WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Huntington University Foresters women’s volleyball team continued their dominant start to the 2025 season, sweeping a doubleheader on Friday afternoon at Odle Arena on the campus of Taylor University. With victories over St. Francis (IL) and Pikeville (KY), the Foresters improved their record to a perfect 8–0. 

After a slow start in the opening set, Huntington regrouped and took control of the match behind the strong play of junior outside hitter Haley Kruse, who recorded 16 kills. She was joined by Maggie Hollon (13 kills) and Allie Boyer (11 kills) in a balanced offensive effort. Huntington dropped the first set 15-25, but won the next three sets (25-22,25-17,25-23) to win the match.  

Setters Kennedy Urban and Lauren Ross dished out 24 assists apiece, while Layla Meyer led all players with a career-high 31 digs. The Foresters totaled 59 kills, 82 digs, and 9 blocks in the win. 

In the nightcap, Huntington showed no signs of slowing down, sweeping Pikeville in straight sets (25-21, 25-13, 25-16). Kruse again paced the attack with 16 kills on a .293 hitting percentage. 

The Foresters hit .311 in the second set and held Pikeville to just .068 hitting overall. Meyer added 22 more digs, while Ross and Urban combined for 32 assists. Huntington also tallied 8 service aces and 11 team blocks. 

“After a tough first set (against St. Francis), I loved the way our team responded the rest of the day.” said Head Coach Kelsey Herber. “Our relentless defense fueled our offense, and I love the joy our girls played with. It was a team effort today, and we are eager to compete again tomorrow.” 

On the day, Haley Kruse led the offensive charge with 32 kills and 33.0 total points across both matches, while libero Layla Meyer anchored the defense with an impressive 53 digs. Setters Kennedy Urban and Lauren Ross combined for 81 assists, directing an efficient Forester offense that hit .186 against St. Francis and .194 versus Pikeville. Huntington also tallied 20 total team blocks on the day, showcasing a balanced and dominant all-around performance. 

The Foresters have a quick turnaround, as they return to action on Saturday morning. They will look to continue the winnings ways against Campbellsville (KY) and Indiana Tech. Start times are set for 9:30am and 2:30pm in Odle Arena.