University of Southern Indiana Volleyball rallied from a one-set deficit, but could not repeat that effort a second time as it suffered a 25-15, 18-25, 25-18, 25-20 Great Lakes Valley Conference setback to the University of Indianapolis Saturday afternoon.
After posting a negative .024 attacking percentage in a 10-point loss in the opener, the Screaming Eagles rebounded with a seven-point win in the second frame to even the match at a set apiece heading into the intermission.
Both teams used big runs to earn their victories in the first two stanzas. UIndy used a 12-3 stretch to break an 8-8 tie in the first set, while the Eagles went on an 11-5 push to build a commanding 17-11 lead in the second set.
USI (9-14, 3-8 GLVC) trailed 8-7 in the third frame when the Greyhounds went on a 9-3 run to put the set out of reach for the Eagles. USI had just eight kills and was limited to a .000 attacking percentage as it suffered the seven-point loss.
The Eagles jumped in front, 8-4, early in the fourth set, but a 4-0 UIndy rally erased the Eagles’ advantage.
UIndy (12-10, 7-4 GLVC), which hit .469 in the final stanza, used another 4-0 surge later in the frame to break a 14-14 stalemate. USI cut the deficit to a single tally with a 4-1 run, but the Greyhounds won six of the final eight rallies to secure the win.
Junior outside hitter Shelbi Morris (Brazil, Indiana) had nine kills to lead the Eagles, while freshman middle hitter Elexis Coleman(Joliet, Illinois) had eight kills and a .333 attacking percentage. Junior middle hitter Te’Ayla Whitfield (Fort Wayne, Indiana) added seven kills and six blocks, while senior setter Quin Shoultz (Columbus, Indiana) had 31 assists and 13 digs.
USI also got 12 digs from junior libero Shannon Farrell (Munster, Indiana), who became the fifth player in program history to surpass the 1,200-career dig plateau.
The Eagles return to action Friday at 7 p.m. when they host Missouri University of Science and Technology at the Physical Activities Center. USI will hold the drawing for the $500 campus store shopping spree between the second and third sets.
