ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — The University of Indianapolis edged past Lewis University in a thrilling five-set match at Neil Carey Arena on Saturday, winning 25-15, 25-22, 15-25, 19-25, 15-12. The Greyhounds secured the victory with a .294 hitting percentage in the decisive fifth set.

The match opened with the Greyhounds taking an early lead. The first set saw back-and-forth exchanges, with the Hounds capitalizing on Lewis's errors. A key moment occurred when Makenzie Pflederer delivered a service ace, extending the lead to 10-6. Despite Lewis's efforts to narrow the gap, UIndy's consistent pressure, highlighted by a kill from Riley Laine, allowed them to control the set. The set concluded with a final attack error by Marin Grossman, securing a 25-15 victory for the Greyhounds.

The Hounds claimed the second set against the Flyers with a 25-22 victory, largely propelled by a series of key plays. UIndy responded to a 3-0 Lewis start with a service ace by Allie Wuestenfeld, leveling the score at 3-3. Macy Bruton then sparked a four-point run for the Greyhounds with two consecutive service aces, shifting the momentum to a 13-11 lead. Pflederer concluded the set with a decisive kill, assisted by Carly Fonda.

In the third set, Lewis secured a 25-15 victory over the UIndy. The set was marked by trading errors early on, but Lewis gained momentum with key plays, including a kill by Emma O'Neill, pushing the home team ahead 5-3. UIndy responded with kills from Lauren Gips and Paige Parlanti, leveling the score multiple times. However, a strong offensive push by Lewis extended their lead to 14-11. A series of attack errors by the Greyhounds contributed to Lewis's advantage, culminating in a set-winning kill from Sarah Newberry, assisted by Lily King.

Lewis secured a victory in the fourth set against the Greyhounds, finishing with a 25-19 scoreline. The set saw multiple scoring runs, with Lewis pulling ahead thanks to consistent contributions from Emma O'Neill, who delivered several key kills, including the final point of the set. The Greyhounds kept pace early on with Gips and  Parlanti registering kills, but a series of attack errors allowed Lewis to build a mid-set lead. Despite UIndy's efforts, including a late kill by Gips, Lewis maintained their advantage to close out the set and the match.

The decisive fifth set featured a back-and-forth battle between the Greyhounds and Lewis, with UIndy ultimately securing a 15-12 victory. The visitors started strong with Gips and Pflederer each contributing key kills, leading to an early 2-1 advantage. Lewis responded with Lauren Buxton and Marin Grossman executing effective attacks, edging ahead 4-2 before UIndy rallied to level the score at 4-4.  Parlanti was instrumental for the Greyhounds, securing multiple kills throughout the set, including one that tied the score at 6-6.Fonda played a pivotal role, delivering a service ace and several assists that helped UIndy stretch their lead to 10-7. Despite Lewis' efforts, including several kills by Buxton, UIndy maintained their momentum. The set concluded with a decisive kill from Gips, sealing the 15-12 win for the visitors.

INSIDE THE BOX 
Parlanti hit double-digit kills and digs for the fifth consecutive game, leading the Greyhound offense with 18 kills, with an additional 21 digs on the defensive end. Pflederer also saw double-digit kills and digs for the Hounds, registering a season-high 16 kills while scooping up 15 digs on the defensive end. Bruton led the squad with 24 digs on the match, while Fonda had a career-high 17 digs with 45 assists for UIndy.

UP NEXT
Hounds return to action on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. against UMSL. UIndy Volleyball hosts Trick-or-Treat presented by Hall Family Dentistry from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Fans can get free admission to the contest with a costume.