BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The UIndy volleyball team (3-1) capped its opening weekend at the Ferris State Invitational on Saturday with a pair of in-region matches, splitting with GLIAC members Wayne State and Ferris State.
 
The Greyhounds downed the Warriors in four frames in the morning match before falling in straight sets to the host Bulldogs in the nightcap.
 
UIndy 3, Wayne State 1
UIndy bookended the win with high offensive efficiency, attacking at a .393 and .381 clip, respectively, in the first and fourth sets. Elizabeth Eads and Hannah Sabotin dominated the middle combining for 14 kills on 29 attempts.
 
Grace Hegwood recorded a match-best 14 kills, adding 12 digs for her second straight double-double of the season. Libero Ellie Spang scooped up another 17 digs, while junior defensive specialist Lauren Peal finished with seven.
 
Following a record-breaking performance on Friday, the Hounds tallied five more service aces against the Warriors, with Sophia Parlanti joining in on the fun with Hegwood, Peal, and Spang with one.
 
Ferris State 3, UIndy 0
The Hounds performed well despite the straight-set defeat, hitting .240 as a team. Claire Morris dished out 32 assists, adding five digs and three total blocks.
 
Parlanti paced the team with 13 kills and a .282 attacking percentage, while finishing with six digs and one service ace. Sabotin continued to impress, contributing five kills (hitting .556) and another block.
 
Freshman Riley Laine was a welcome addition to the floor late in the second set, putting down all four attack attempts for kills over the final 30 minutes. The rookie also assisted on a block in the third frame.
 
MORE NOTES
UIndy, winner of seven straight matches, now leads the all-time series with Wayne State, 7-3 … following its sweep, Ferris State extends its all-time series advantage to 8-6 … Lauren Cullison tallied 13 kills on the day ... Parlanti and Sabotin both earned All-Tournament honors following their respective performances over the weekend.
 
HOUND BYTES
Laine on seeing action against Ferris State…
"I was really pumped up I got the opportunity to go in and work for my team. We battled and we'll see them again this season."
 
Laine on experiencing the first road trip of her collegiate career…
"It was super fun! There's a lot of us on the team and I was really excited and glad to be able to connect with all the girls."
 
UP NEXT
The Greyhounds return to Ruth Lilly Fitness Center next weekend for four contests, including three in-region bouts as part of the UIndy Invitational. First serve with Notre Dame College is scheduled for Friday at 12 p.m.