SEATTLE — The IU Indy volleyball team (0-1) fell to San Diego State (1-0) with a 3-1 loss at Alaska Airlines Arena on Friday. Despite taking the first set 25-23, IU Indy was unable to maintain momentum as San Diego State claimed the next three sets 25-23, 25-15, and 25-19.
IU Indy opened the first set with a strong start, quickly gaining a 2-0 lead with a kill from
Jillian Tippmann. The teams exchanged points, with
Grace Purichia assisting multiple successful attacks, keeping the score close. Tippmann's consistent performance included a pivotal kill at 18-16, helping IU Indy maintain the edge.
As the set progressed,
Bailey Sinish and
Elle Patterson each contributed crucial kills, allowing IU Indy to hold their lead. Although San Diego State managed to tie the score at 20-20, IU Indy capitalized on several errors by their opponent. The set concluded with a service ace by
Laura Roeder, securing the set for IU Indy at 25-23.
IU Indy mounted a strong comeback in the second set, narrowing the deficit with a series of key plays. Sinish was instrumental in this effort, executing multiple kills to help IU Indy recover from a 9-12 disadvantage to tie the score at 17-17. Despite the determined rally, San Diego State managed to edge ahead in the final moments, with Layla Austin securing critical points to close the set at 25-23 in favor of San Diego State.
IU Indy started the third set strong with an early kill by Tippmann, assisted by Purichia, putting it on the scoreboard first. However, San Diego State quickly responded, capitalizing on a series of attack errors by IU Indy, creating a gap that IU Indy struggled to close. Despite efforts from Patterson and
Lila Britt to regain momentum, IU Indy faced difficulties as service errors and blocks from the opponent kept them trailing. Although Tippmann and
Amanda Stephens made late attempts to rally, the set concluded with IU Indy falling 25-15.
In the fourth set, IU Indy made a significant effort to close the gap against San Diego State. With key plays such as Patterson's kill from Purichia's assist at 13-17 and Tippmann's kill at 24-17, IU Indy demonstrated resilience. Ultimately, San Diego State clinched the set 25-19, ending the match.
Purichia led the playmaking efforts for IU Indy, recording 37 assists and contributing five digs. Tippmann delivered a strong offensive performance with 16 kills and a hitting percentage of .297. Freshman Sinish chipped in 11 kills. Roeder anchored the defense, collecting 18 digs and providing two assists. Patterson added to the team's scoring with seven kills and accumulated two total blocks.
Looking ahead, the Jags will face UC Irvine tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:00 p.m. in Seattle, Washington.
