INDIANAPOLIS – IU Indy battled throughout the night against first-place Northern Kentucky, but the Norse pulled out a 3–1 win (25–15, 27–25, 17–25, 25–19) on Friday at the Jungle. Maia Long led the Jaguars with 13 kills, while Morgan Ostrowski added nine kills and a team-high eight blocks. Libero Laura Roeder anchored the defense with 23 digs and delivered four service aces.
 
The Jaguars hung tight through the early points, helped by three early kills from Maia Long and strong blocking from Ostrowski and Jillian Tippmann. But NKU's efficiency at the net began to separate the set midway through, as the Norse strung together a 10–2 run to take control. Despite a late kill from Ostrowski, NKU closed out the opener 25–15.
 
IU Indy responded with one of its best stretches of the match in the second set. A service run from Roeder — including an ace and back-to-back forcing errors — helped the Jaguars flip an early deficit into a 6–5 lead. The set featured 14 ties as Long, Tippmann, and Amanda Stephens found momentum offensively. IU Indy held a 23–21 advantage late, but NKU rallied with key swings from Sydney Bray and Allison Risley, edging out the set 27–25 despite the Jaguars' improved blocking and ball control.
 
The Jaguars dominated the third frame behind outstanding serving and net play. Roeder opened the set with a service ace and sparked an 8–0 run. Ostrowski's blocking presence and an efficient 12 Jaguar kills on just four errors from the team helped IU Indy maintain full control. Long, Tippmann, and Stephens kept the offense rolling as the Jaguars cruised to a 25–17 win to extend the match.
 
NKU jumped out to an early lead in the fourth set behind Risley and Hopewell, but the Jags kept themselves within striking distance thanks to timely kills from Long and Tippmann. Roeder and Purichia each delivered aces to tighten the gap to 22–18, but NKU closed the night on a 3–1 mini run to seal the match. Long led IU Indy in the final set with several clutch swings, while Ostrowski and Tippmann added key blocks.
 
The Jags and Norse rematch is set for 2:00 PM tomorrow, Saturday, November 15.