GOLDEN, Colo. – UIndy volleyball closed its opening weekend with a hard-fought 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-16) defeat against Colorado Mesa in the Oredigger Classic, hosted by Colorado Mines.

In a match that featured 30 ties and 18 lead changes, the Mavericks (2-2) came up with more timely points in the crucial moments to send the Greyhounds home with a 1-3 record for their season-opening trip to Golden, Colo.  

The Greyhounds controlled much of set one, although neither side managed to gain separation on the scoreboard.

With the set tied 20-20, UIndy dug itself in a hole with a service error and rotation error on consecutive plays. Unable to recover, Mesa grabbed a 1-0 match lead with a 25-21 decision.

UIndy found itself in a similar position late in the second set, with the game tied at 23 apiece. Where the Hounds faltered in the opening set, they flourished in the second, ultimately drawing the match level on a huge block from Shelby Ruffner and Kacee Salyers on set point.

Mesa responded with a 25-21 win in yet another closely-contested frame, making it 2-1 for the match. UIndy led by as many as six points early during the set, but the Mavericks rebounded and broke a late 19-19 tie with a 6-2 run to close it out.
In the fourth, the Mavericks hit a match-high .310 (13-4-29) in a strong effort to seal the match victory in a 25-16 win.  

Senior Becca Lira led the Hounds with 12 kills, adding 23 digs and a service ace. Ruffner was right behind with 11 kills and a team-high four blocks.

Sophomore setter Remi Bowman had 39 assists and 10 kills on an efficient .677 attack percentage (10-0-15).

The tough sledding will continue next weekend for the Hounds, as they host the eight-team UIndy Invitational Sept. 9-10.