INDIANAPOLIS – Playing in its first live action of the season against 14 former players, the 2011 edition of the IUPUI volleyball team defeated the alumni team in all four sets (25-21, 25-9, 25-22, 25-16) Saturday evening at The Jungle.

“It was great to get on the court and scrimmage somebody other than ourselves,” said head coach Steve Payne. “We definitely did some good things out there, but the most impressive thing was having 14 alumni come back to play and support this program.”

All 12 players saw action in the Alumni Game, including newcomers Meredith Farkas, Kelsey Hoefer, Beth Howard, Ellyn Jones and Corinne Owens.

“The newcomers did a good job out there today,” Payne added. “Once their nerves were gone they were able to show what they’ve learned in the past two weeks and it showed on the court.”

The Jaguars open the regular season Aug. 26-27 at the Northern Illinois Invitational in DeKalb, Ill. IUPUI faces some stiff competition in the opening weekend facing No. 14 Northern Iowa, No. 18 Iowa State, Cincinnati, and Northern Illinois. Following the weekend in DeKalb, the Jags play their home opener on Tuesday, Aug. 30, against in-state foe Ball State. The match is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.