CLARION, Pa. – It wasn't easy, but it was exactly what the UIndy volleyball team needed to snap its two-match skid in the Tony Banner Memorial Tournament on opening weekend.

UIndy (2-2) handed host Clarion (0-4) a 3-0 sweep, winning all three sets by close 25-23 margins after trailing late in each.

The Greyhounds and Golden Eagles went toe-to-toe in the opening frame, but six kills from junior Becca Lira and nine total assists by junior Natalie Wichern helped UIndy edge Clarion 25-23.

In the second set the Greyhounds trailed 21-14, but tore off a remarkable 11-2 run to steal the set and knock the Golden Eagles on their heels in the match. The final point came on an emphatic block from Lira and junior Shelby Ruffner.

The third set mirrored the first, as neither team could manage to pull away and create distance on the scoreboard. Again UIndy was behind late (20-16), but the Greyhounds found a way – this particular case in sophomore Kacee Salyers. The outside hitter from Stoutsville, Ohio, delivered five of the Hounds' final eight points on kills.

She led the UIndy attack in the sweep, racking up 15 kills while hitting a sharp .303 (15-5-33), adding a pair of service aces. Lira finished with 14 kills and an even .300 (14-5-30) attack percentage to go along with nine digs and three block assists. Facilitating the offense was Wichern, who totaled 41 assists.

Defensively freshman libero Bri Heffernan paced the Hounds with 15 digs, followed by senior Hailey Brown's 13. Ruffner finished the match with five block assists.

The Hounds have just a short respite before traveling to face regional opponent Cedarville Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. They will follow up with the UIndy Tournament Sept. 10-12 in Nicoson Hall.

NOTES
- UIndy and Clarion have not met since Sept. 10, 1999, when the Greyhounds swept the Golden Eagles. Clarion holds a 3-2 series edge, however.