INDIANAPOLIS — The University of Indianapolis jumped out to the program's first 4-0 start in seven seasons, closing out the UIndy Invitational with sweeps against Saginaw Valley State and Thomas More on Saturday. The Hounds protected the home floor for the squad's first unbeaten UIndy Invitational.
UIndy demonstrated efficient offense throughout both matches, posting a .393 hitting percentage against Thomas More, while holding both opponents to less than a .100 hitting percentage, with Saginaw Valley managing only .090 and Thomas More finishing with a -.022 hitting percentage.
UIndy 3, SVSU 0
The Greyhounds opened strong, showcasing a balanced attack and effective defense.
Maddie Lynch led the offense with several key kills, including one at 7-3, assisted by
Amaree Haralson, who contributed service aces at 10-7 and 12-7. Haralson orchestrated a critical 7-0 run, extending the lead to 14-7. Despite challenges from Saginaw Valley, the Greyhounds secured the first set 25-15, closing it out with a service error by Taylor Smith.
The second set saw the Greyhounds capitalize on the Cardinals' errors for an early advantage. Lynch once again contributed with two kills, while
Grace Portwood added a service ace to push the score to 3-1. UIndy extended their lead to 13-4, with
Allison Jansen recording three consecutive kills. Although the Cardinals narrowed the gap to 13-8, the Greyhounds maintained composure, concluding the set with a 25-18 win.
In the third set against Saginaw Valley, the Greyhounds secured a decisive 25-13 victory. Lynch continued her standout performance, contributing multiple kills early in the set. UIndy capitalized on the Cardinals' errors, including a crucial service error at 12-5. Fonda's setting was pivotal, assisting on key kills by Portwood and
Makenzie Pflederer. The set concluded with a decisive kill from
Paige Boettcher, sealing the victory.
UIndy 3, TMU 0
Greyhounds quickly took command of the match, starting with an attack error by the Saints.
Carly Fonda's service ace pushed the home team ahead early, and as the set progressed, they broke away with a decisive run led by Haralson's service, which included two aces. Kills from
Makenzie Pflederer and
Allison Jansen helped extend the lead, culminating in a set victory of 25-8.
In the second set, UIndy maintained control with an impressive seven-point run, highlighted by kills from Jansen and
Carson Bowling, alongside strategic assists from Fonda. Despite a brief comeback attempt by the Saints, the Greyhounds sealed the set at 25-14, punctuated by a kill from
Carmen Horn.
The final set against Thomas More saw UIndy continue their dominance, securing a 25-14 victory. Pflederer led the attack with multiple kills, while
Kelsey McKenney and
Caitlin Blomberg's effective blocking thwarted the Saints' advances. The match concluded with an attack error by the Saints' Kat Koepke, solidifying the Greyhounds' overall success.
INSIDE THE BOX
-The Hounds dominated the Saints at the net, securing nine blocks, while Thomas More had zero.
-Pflederer hit from an .889 clip against the Saints with eight kills on nine total attempts.
-Bruton recorded a game-high 14 digs against the Cardinals with zero reception errors.
UP NEXT
The Hounds will travel to Wheeling W.Va. for the Wheeling Tournament on Sept. 4-5, opening the tournament with California (PA), Friday at 2 p.m.
