YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The IU Indy volleyball team fell to Youngstown State in straight sets on Friday evening inside the Beeghly Center. The Penguins took the Horizon League matchup by scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 25-21.

With the loss, the Jaguars move to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in Horizon League play. 

Bailey Sinish led the Jaguars offensively with a match-high 12 kills, while Chloe Macias added seven kills on a .385 hitting percentage. Elle Patterson finished with five kills and 10 digs. Grace Purichia directed the offense with 31 assists and added three service aces, while Laura Roeder paced the defense with 13 digs.

IU Indy and Youngstown State battled through a tight opening set. The Jaguars erased a six-point deficit with a 5-0 run to tie the frame at 16-16, highlighted by a Sinish kill and a Youngstown State attack error. The Penguins responded to regain the advantage before IU Indy fought off three set points, cutting the deficit to 24-22. Youngstown State closed the set on the following point for the 25-22 win.

The Jaguars carried that fight into the second set, using back-to-back Purichia aces as part of a 4-0 run to take a 6-4 lead. The teams traded points through the middle of the frame, with IU Indy pulling even at 14-14. Youngstown State then took control, scoring six straight points on its way to a 25-16 victory and a 2-0 match lead.

Youngstown State built an early advantage in the third, but the Jaguars continued to battle. Trailing 18-11, IU Indy used a late push to pull within three at 22-19. Sinish later delivered her 12th kill of the night before the Jaguars fought off another match point to make it 24-21, but the Penguins answered with the final kill to complete the sweep, 25-21.

The Jaguars totaled 33 kills and five service aces on the night. IU Indy hit .229 in the opening set before finishing the match at .113, while Youngstown State recorded 32 kills and hit .265.

IU Indy and Youngstown State will close out the weekend series tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 3, with first serve set for 2:00 PM at the Beeghly Center.