ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The UIndy volleyball team suffered its fifth loss in the last six matches on Saturday, dropping a heartbreaking five-set thriller at Maryville.
 
It was the Saints' first win in the all-time series against the Greyhounds, who had won the previous 13 contests.
 
Sophia Parlanti and Hannah Sabotin were incredible on the afternoon, combining for 34 kills on .388 hitting.
 
INS & OUTS
UIndy jumped out to a 5-1 advantage in the final frame, with Sabotin knocking down a pair of kills. The Saints responded, scoring 12 of the next 19 points to lead late. After a block from Lauren Cullison and Sabotin knotted the set at 13 apiece, Maryville put its foot on the gas and quickly ended the bout with a kill and service ace.
 
The Saints built momentum from a dominating fourth set after UIndy tallied the final five points of the third to grab a 2-1 game advantage. In that fourth frame, Grace Hegwood finished a Morris set to start the run and capped it with second service ace of the match. Elizabeth Eads, with Parlanti, was also credited with a block assist during the stretch.
 
The Hounds bounced back after a tough loss on Friday at Missouri S&T, securing a tight 25-22 victory in the opening set. Setter Claire Morris delivered a perfect pass to Cullison to pull away at the end before Sabotin blocked a Maryville attack attempt to help seal the game win.
 
INSIDE THE BOX
- Freshman libero Ellie Spang scooped up a team-high 23 digs, recording 20 or more for the fourth time this fall.
- Parlanti (18) and Sabotin (16) each recorded their third-most kills of the season.
- The Greyhounds matched their season-high block total with 12; Sabotin totaled seven, including two solo stops.
- With 13 digs, Parlanti finished with her eighth double-double of the season.
 
ON ANOTHER NOTE
UIndy now leads the all-time series, 13-1.
 
UP NEXT
The Hounds return home to Ruth Lilly Fitness Center next Friday for a 6 p.m. serve against GLVC-newcomer Upper Iowa. The Peacocks are 10-13 this season with a 5-4 league record.