SEATTLE — IU Indianapolis (1-1) defeated UC Irvine (0-2) in straight sets, winning 3-0 at Alaska Airlines Arena on Saturday to earn their first win of the season. The Jags secured the match with set scores of 25-23, 25-21, and 28-26.
IU Indianapolis started the first set with a balanced team effort, quickly capitalizing on UC Irvine's errors and building momentum. Notable contributions came from
Bailey Sinish and
Ninah Miranda, who each secured pivotal kills, keeping the score competitive. As the set progressed, the Jaguars mounted a significant comeback effort, propelled by
Amanda Stephens' crucial kills and
Lexi Grissett's service ace, which brought them to a 22-19 lead.
UC Irvine fought back to tie the score at 22-22, but the Jags responded with a
Grace Purichia service ace. Stephens sealed the set with a final kill, concluding the first set at 25-23 in favor of the Jags.
IU Indy seized momentum midway through the second set, overcoming several service errors to tie the score at 13-13 with a service ace by Purichia. A series of strong plays, including kills by Stephens and Purichia, helped the Jags pull ahead to a 19-17 lead. Despite UC Irvine's efforts to close the gap, IU Indy maintained its edge with decisive plays, including a block by Sinish and
Lila Britt, to secure the set 25-21.
IU Indy opened the third set with a commanding seven-point run, marked by Purichia's service ace and key offensive contributions from Sinish and
Jillian Tippmann. The Jags quickly jumped out to a 16-6 advantage.
UC Irvine's narrowed the gap and eventually tied the game at 24-24. Sinish and Tippmann then secured the final points with critical kills, ensuring a 28-26 victory for IU Indy in the final set.
Purichia made a significant impact with 25 assists and added five service aces. Britt was strong defensively, contributing five total blocks in the match. Stephens collected nine kills, maintaining a .438 hitting percentage while Sinish added 12 kills and three block assists.
IU Indy will close out the weekend against host Washington tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6:00 PM.
