EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – For the fifth straight season, the Great Lakes Valley Conference final four will include the University of Indianapolis.  UIndy dispatched the Northern Kentucky Norse (30-17, 24-30, 30-22, 30-27) in the first round of the conference tournament on Thursday.  It marked the third time the Hounds have defeated NKU this season, with UIndy dropping only one game in three head-to-head matches.

 

The Greyhounds jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead on the neutral court, out-hitting the Norse by a staggering .400 to -.043.  NKU responded by taking the second game, evening the match at one all.  The Hounds would go on take the fourth and fifth games to complete the rare three-match season sweep and advance to the semifinals.

 

The difference in the match was the Hounds’ offensive efficiency.  UIndy managed a .351 hitting percentage as a team, its second highest mark versus a GLVC opponent this season.  The Greyhounds committed only 12 attack errors on the match while forcing 34 by their opponent.  UIndy also recorded more kills than NKU on 28 fewer attempts.

 

The lead dog for Indianapolis was sophomore Alyssa Carlotta.  Her 15 kills and 28 attempts paced the Hounds’ attack, while her .464 hitting percentage and four blocks boosted her contribution.  Senior Lynne Ross and sophomore Cassie Schott combined for 22 kills, 14 blocks and a .348 hitting percentage.  Schott’s five blocks set a new career high. 

 

Part of UIndy’s offensive success can be attributed to the setters.  Freshman Brandi McAllister and sophomore Beth Robbins split the helping duties, combining for 55 assists.  McAllister’s 11 digs put her season double-double total at ten.

 

Defensively, the Greyhounds topped their opponent in both digs (58) and blocks (14.5).  Along with three service aces, freshman Kyleigh Turner scooped a match-high 18 digs.

 

UIndy (24-9, 11-5 GLVC) will face host SIU Edwardsville at 7:30 pm on Friday night.  To advance to the conference finals for the second straight year, the Hounds will have to defeat the tournament’s top seed, a feat they accomplished as a fifth seed last season.  A win would be doubly sweet for the Hounds as it was SIUE that eliminated them in last season’s final game.