East Peoria, Ill. - The ICC Volleyball team (14-9) had an intriguing matchup with an in-region foe in the Snappers from Spoon River (7-11). Intriguing mainly because the Cougars were trying to reverse the script from needing to survive against the Snappers in five sets during the spring season. Reverse they did, smoothly taking a three-set sweep over the visitors from Canton, 25-14, 25-12, and 25-17. 

Freshman Gracie Schultz continued her quality run of matches of the season, leading the team in points with 11.5. The Fieldcrest grad assisted on three blocks and had one to her own name on top of tying with Hannah Alvey for the team's lead in kills with nine. Monday's match with the Snappers marked Schultz's fourth time leading the team in points. 

The Snappers never really got close, with ICC off to a red-hot start in the opening frame, leading by as much as 20-9. A kill from Hannah Alvey ended the opening frame with a 25-14 score. 

Now on the second set, the match found its way into a bit of a back-and-forth battle. Alas, the Cougars recharged and went right back to work. With ties as far down the line as 5-5, the Cougars roared up to a double figure lead at 15-5, forcing the Snappers to call time. For the second straight set, ICC found its way to the 20-point mark before Spoon River could hit double digits - an attack error from the Snappers got the set to that mark. Another error bit Spoon River, ending the set with a 25-12 difference. 

While the Cougars did have a 2-0 stranglehold on the match at this point, the third set was perhaps the most interesting of them. ICC could not get above a three-point lead until an attack error put ICC ahead 18-14. The Alvey/Schultz pairing would get up on a block to end the match with a 25-17 score in the third. 

Brooke Ely and Lacy Pilgrim, after combining for 40 assists on Friday night, combined for another 27 against Spoon River, collecting 12 and 15, respectively.

ICC's sweep is their second consecutive win and seventh win in their last eight matches. 

It's an extensive "road trip" of sorts for the team, not returning home to Ramsey Gym until October 9th. The Cougars will play at Millkin University JV on Wednesday evening. 

Statistical Leaders vs. Spoon River:
Cougars win, 3-0 (scores were 25-14, 25-12, 25-17)
Kills | Hannah Alvey (9), Gracie Schultz (9)
Digs | Hope Allen (12)
Assists | Lacy Pilgrim (15), Brooke Ely (12)
Aces | Lacy Pilgrim (3)
Blocks | Gracie Schultz (4)

Next Up:
ICC Cougars (14-9)
vs. Millkin University JV
Wednesday, September 29th
7:00 PM First Serve
at the Griswold Center - Decatur,  Ill.
*No Live Coverage*