Against All Odds: Indiana Wesleyan’s Incredible 8-Point Rally Secures Back-to-Back NAIA Volleyball Titles

In a stunning display of resilience, grit, and divine intervention, the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) volleyball team staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in NAIA national championship history. On December 10, 2024, at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, the Wildcats secured a second consecutive NAIA Women’s Volleyball National Championship after overcoming a daunting 14-8 deficit in the decisive fifth set. With a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over the Bellevue University Bruins, the Wildcats proved that no challenge is too great when the spirit of teamwork and faith come into play.

A Miracle in the Making

The Wildcats’ journey to victory seemed like a distant dream for much of the final set. Trailing by six points in Set 5, they were on the verge of losing their hard-fought title, with the Bellevue Bruins holding a commanding 13-6 lead. Yet, in what many described as an “impossible” comeback, Indiana Wesleyan stormed back to score the final eight points of the match, securing a 16-14 win in the fifth set. It was a finish that left fans, players, and even coaches at a loss for words.

Head coach Candace Moats, who has over 40 years of coaching experience, could barely contain her disbelief after the game. “I don’t have words for what happened,” Moats said. “I’ve never seen anything like that in all my years of coaching. It was a favor from the Lord. There’s no other explanation. We don’t know what we did to deserve that favor, but we got it.”

While some might chalk up the win to luck, it was a testament to the Wildcats’ resilience and the power of team unity. Each of the Wildcats’ final eight points came from Bellevue attack errors, as Indiana Wesleyan’s defense held strong under immense pressure, keeping the rallies alive long enough to capitalize on the Bruins’ mistakes. It was a fitting end to an unpredictable match, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

A Team Effort: From Desperation to Determination

Despite the breathtaking conclusion, the Wildcats’ path to victory was not without its setbacks. After taking the first set 25-22, the momentum swung heavily in favor of Bellevue, which claimed the next two sets with ease. The Bruins took Set 2 by a commanding 25-16 margin, and Set 3 was even more lopsided, with the Wildcats failing to find their rhythm in a 25-13 loss.

However, Indiana Wesleyan refused to buckle under the weight of the situation. They fought back in Set 4, taking the set 25-18 to force a decisive fifth set. Head coach Moats and her players knew that they had been here before, with many members of the team having played in the 2023 championship match. This experience proved invaluable as the Wildcats found their focus, determined to finish the job they had started.

Set 5 began with IWU jumping out to an early 3-0 lead, only to see Bellevue respond with a five-point surge to take control. The Bruins then extended their lead to 13-6, seemingly putting the game out of reach. But Indiana Wesleyan wasn’t ready to give up just yet. “Once we got Set 5 to 14-14, we knew we were in it,” said junior setter Abbigail Porter.

With nerves of steel, the Wildcats kept their composure, relying on their defensive strength and the calm leadership of players like Porter and junior attacker Eva Joldersma. “It’s just crazy,” said Joldersma, who had a standout performance with 17 kills. “I don’t think any of us thought we’d win after how the fifth set started. But God had a miracle for us. We stayed together as a team and kept trusting and believing in each other.”

The Wildcats’ defense played a pivotal role in the comeback. At the heart of it was freshman Autumn Colehour, who was called upon to serve at a critical moment in the match. “It was huge for us,” Porter explained. “Props to Autumn for her serving and keeping us in it. It was a lot of pressure, but she just stayed steady.”

Colehour’s composure under pressure helped keep the momentum alive for Indiana Wesleyan, and the team capitalized on Bellevue’s attack errors. As the match progressed, the Wildcats seemed to gain confidence, and the Bruins, on the other hand, began to unravel. The final points were a blur of mistakes from Bellevue and determined play from the Wildcats, who refused to let go of the championship.

Individual Brilliance and Teamwork

While the team’s collective effort was paramount, there were a few standout individual performances that helped propel Indiana Wesleyan to the championship. Joldersma, already a seasoned player after her strong showing in the 2023 championship, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive year. She also earned the distinction of Attacker of the Tournament, adding another layer to an already impressive career.

In addition to Joldersma, junior setter Abbigail Porter also earned recognition as the Setter of the Tournament for the second year in a row. Porter was instrumental in setting up the offense, recording a match-high 40 assists and creating opportunities for her teammates to shine. “My teammates definitely make me look good,” Porter humbly stated. “We knew what this type of pressure was like from being here last year, and we see that pressure as a privilege.”

As for the coaching staff, Moats was named Coach of the Tournament, joining an elite group of coaches to win multiple NAIA volleyball national championships. Moats has cultivated a winning culture at Indiana Wesleyan, and this victory added to her storied legacy.

Bellevue’s Strong Challenge

While the victory belonged to Indiana Wesleyan, Bellevue University played a valiant game, and they were not easily defeated. Bellevue’s Eve Fountain led all players with 23 kills, and her performance was a key factor in the Bruins’ strong run in the middle of the match. Her dominant play in Set 2, where she tallied six kills, helped Bellevue build a significant lead that the Wildcats could not recover from at the time.

In addition to Fountain, Bellevue’s setters Mila Aiwohi and Victoria Runyan combined for 55 assists, helping to orchestrate the Bruins’ offense. However, as the match wore on, Bellevue’s lack of consistency in the final moments allowed Indiana Wesleyan to capitalize on their mistakes.

The Road to Redemption: Faith, Teamwork, and a Legacy of Champions

For the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats, this victory was more than just a national championship – it was a testament to their unwavering belief in themselves, their faith, and their ability to come together as a team when everything seemed lost. “It was a gift from God,” Joldersma said. “I’m so proud of all our girls. It just shows how much fight this team has. We don’t back down no matter how far behind we are.”

As the Wildcats lifted the Red Banner for the second consecutive year, they were reminded that miracles do happen, and sometimes the impossible is only a matter of perspective. They now join an exclusive group of teams to repeat as NAIA volleyball champions, solidifying their place in history. And for Coach Moats and her team, this victory is more than just another title – it’s a symbol of the power of belief, teamwork, and the heart of a champion.