DES MOINES, Iowa – A career-high 19 from Odessa Cody (Chicago, Ill.) helped lead the Drake University volleyball team to a 3-1 win over Evansville on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Knapp Center.

Drake (13-11, 4-6 MVC) took the match by set scores of 23-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-16. Evansville (4-20, 0-11 MVC) was led by Mildrelis Rodriguez's 21 kills. 

"Getting a win tonight was huge for us," said Drake head coach Darrin McBroom. "We came out a little bit slow, so to do well and win this game was huge for us."

Cody's career high came on 42 attacks along with a career best six blocks.

"I'm so proud of Odessa," McBroom added. "For her to almost get 20 kills, it was a big night for her and she just keeps getting better."

Freshman Paige Aspinwall (Dayton, Minn.) also had a career-high 35 assists. 

"She flows with the game very well and has become much more comfortable running our offense and we're proud of how she's developing as well," McBroom said of the freshman setter.

Michelle Thommi (Omaha, Neb.) added 22 digs on the evening for a season total of 460 which already ranks in as the ninth-most in Drake history. Each of her last two seasons have also ranked in the top 10.

After falling to the Purple Aces in the first set, 25-23, the Bulldogs tied the match after a second set that featured five lead changes before the Bulldogs claimed the set, 25-23.

Drake opened the third set 2-2 before going on a 9-1 run to take an 11-3 lead behind Thommi's serving. Cody also racked up four kills during that span. Evansville put itself within striking distance at 14-11 before back-to-back blocks allowed the Bulldogs to extend their lead, 19-11, before winning the set, 25-18. A commanding 10-1 run in the fourth set allowed Drake to overtake the Purple Aces.

The Bulldogs return to the road next week to face co-MVC leaders, Missouri State and Wichita State on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, respectively.