Ottumwa -- The set scores were just as close as you would expect from two teams both ranked in the top-ten nationally. But No. 8 Iowa Western made plays down the stretch in all three sets and notched a 3-0 victory against 7th-rated Indian Hills at the Hellyer Center on Wednesday night. The Reivers, who won their seventh consecutive match, prevailed 26-24, 25-23, 25-20 to hand the Warriors only their third loss of the season.
It was a frustrating night for the Warriors, who led late in the first two sets and were up 16-14 in the third. Iowa Western came from 21-18 down in the opening set and 21-19 in set two. The final set saw the visitors run off six straight points to turn things around and complete the sweep.
Mariana Rodrigues had 15 of IHCC's 36 kills. Cassia Lemos, the national leader in assists per set, had 35 assists and tied for the team high in digs with 11, the same number as Amanda Toyota.
The Warriors are 18-3 and play at Jefferson (Mo.) College on Friday.