INDIANAPOLIS – Katie Furlong's teammates threw their arms into the air after she just put down a rocket of a kill against GLVC-foe Illinois-Springfield, securing set 4 for the Hounds, 29-27. Cheers from the University of Indianapolis bench erupted.

The Prairie Stars took the Greyhounds to five but the UIndy came out on top, defeating UIS 3-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Senior, Furlong had 21 kills on the night, leading the team, followed by senior Taylor Jacquay who had 16. The Hounds totaled up 67 kills in the match.

"Seeing how good our team can be in practice," said Jacquay. "It feels good to put it all together on the court."

After coming off of an entire 2020 without volleyball, the Hounds played as if no time was lost on the court.

"We've all been waiting for this moment for a really long time," said Freshman Okemos, Mich., native Natalie Thom. "To come back into Ruth Lilly and win in our home gym for the first time in a long time felt really good."

Thom led the Hounds in assists with 52 assists and 5 kills. After setting Jacquay up for a match ending kill, the Hounds took the fifth set win 15-13.

The Prairie Stars made the Hounds work for their win. Defensively UIS made the net their own posting 12 blocks, led by Brianna Bush who totaled seven block assists, and Zanea Spencer who had five.

"There a really well coached team," said Head Coach Jason Reed. "All the respect in the world to them."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
-In a close serving contest the UIndy posted eight aces to UIS's seven.
-Defensively the Hounds dug up 72 balls, led by sophomore Gillian Santana who had 21.
-UIndy posted an attack percentage of .227 on the first match of the season, and held the Prairie Stars to .251.
The Greyhounds had only three service errors throughout the contest.

UP NEXT
UIndy is back in Ruth Lilly on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 3 pm against rival Lewis.

"Tomorrows going to be a dog fight," said Reed. "It's going to be a great match."