INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy Jaguars dropped their season opener in a thrilling five set battle against Eastern Michigan, 3-2. The Jags opened the regular season in the Jungle on the first day of the Hampton Inn Invite. Elle Patterson led the offense with 19 kills.
 
IU Indy started with a lot of momentum, taking a back-and-forth first set. The Jags hit .244 with a total of 19 kills to take set one, 28-26. After Eastern Michigan tied the game at 26, Maia Long slammed a kill with an assist from Grace Purichia to give IU Indy the lead 27-26. Purichia then recorded her own kill to seal the set at 28-26.
 
The Eagles evened the match by taking set two, 27-25 despite the Jags recording their highest hitting percentage of the night at .250.
 
The Jags got behind early in the third set, 10-9 but quickly took the lead after a seven point run. Long recorded four service aces during the run, helping the Jags to a 16-10 lead. Once IU Indy held a 21-17 lead then finished out the match with kills from Purichia and Elle Patterson to earn the third set victory, 25-17.
 
Eastern Michigan stole the energy in the fourth set which ultimately led to the Jags downfall. The Eagles took set four, 25-12 then closed out the match with a 15-11 fifth set victory.
 
Patterson led the Jags' offense with 19 kills, followed by Long with 12 and Morgan Ostrowksi with nine. Purichia totaled 39 assists and five aces while Addie Evans led the defense with 21 digs.
 
IU Indy will now face SIUE on Saturday, August 31 when they continue the Hampton Inn Invitational at 4:00 PM.