IUPUI Volleyball Ends Losing Streak Against Cleveland State

The IUPUI Jaguars Volleyball notched their first ever win against the three-time defending Horizon League champions Cleveland State Vikings, who won the first six meetings, on Wednesday. The Jags were led by 21 kills  from Hannah Oehlberg. Maggie Gibson posted a career high 44 assists in the match.

The first set was highlighted by early defensive play up front by Abby Boatman, who recorded three kills and two blocks in the set alone. When IUPUI fell down 12-15, Kaitlyn Johnson sparked the team’s momentum with a tremendous spike that setup a 7-2 run. The Jaguars rode that momentum to a first set win, 25-23. The Jags dropped the second set 13-25 after having the game tied 11-11 at one point.

IUPUI’s assistant coach Lindsey Buteyn, dressed in a Ghostbuster’s t-shirt, passionately addressed the team prior to the start of the third set. The team responded with a better effort, but ultimately let the third set slip away 25-23. The fourth set was a back and forth contest filled with drama. Kaitlyn Johnson delivered a kill early in the start of the set that hit close the out of bounds line which left  the referees undecided for three minutes in deliberation. The final decision was granted in favor of the Jags. Cleveland State coach Chuck Voss adamantly disagreed with the decision in protest which resulted in a yellow card caution being issued. Voss responded with a challenge that was upheld in the Jags favor after review. Excitement didn’t end there, as the set saw four lead changes before it reached a 20-20 tie. Kaitlyn Johnson delivered another clutch kill to give the Jaguars some momentum, which sparked a five point run.  The Jags were able to go forward and win the fourth and fifth sets 25-20, and 15-10 respectively.