IUPUI Volleyball Sweeps Youngstown State, Extends Winning Streak

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The IUPUI volleyball team swept Youngstown State Friday night to extend its winning streak to three with one regular season game remaining. The Jaguars dominated the Penguins, winning in three sets by scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-13. Entering the match with a 7-21 record and an interim head coach, the Jaguars were looking to prove themselves by finishing the season strong.

In the first set, the Jaguars controlled the game from start to finish. The beginning of the match was close as the teams held a tie of 6. After a slew of errors by the Penguins, including two hits out of bounds, a failed serve, and a net violation, the Jaguars led 10-6. A 3-0 swing put the Jaguars up 18-12 mid-match before the Penguins came waddling back with an 8-3 run of their own to make the score 22-20. Freshman Hannah Oehlberg killed the ball to put the Jaguars up 23-20. The Penguins then committed two errors to give the Jaguars the win 25-20. Oehlberg lead the set in kills with five, junior Haley Hoffman recorded two blocks, and senior Maggie Gibson had eight assists.

The second set ended up being closer with a final score of 25-23. The Jaguars pounced to an early 4-1 lead to begin the match by way of four kills, a pair from junior Kaitlyn Johnson and one apiece from Oehlberg and Hoffman. The Penguins fought back in what was a close battle until the end. Half way through the match, the Penguins found themselves up 15-12 and later 17-15 until the teams tied at 19. The Jaguars then went on a four-point run to put themselves up 23-19. The Penguins surged back and brought the game to a score of 24-23. Hoffman finished the set off with a massive kill to give the jaguars a 25-23 win and a 2-0 lead.

“They really love each other and they really came together tonight,” interim head coach Lindsey Buteyn said. “Everyone knows their role and what their job is so really it’s just been them coming together and loving each other.”

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Photo by Brian Drumm via IUPUI Athletics


In the final set the Jaguars were implacable. After being up 5-2 early, the Jaguars darted for the Penguins with a relentless assault. They tallied 14 kills in an effort that won them the match 25-13. Senior Abby Boatman had a huge set, recording two blocks and three kills.

Oehlberg led the team in kills with 10, Boatman had a team high 3 blocks, and Gibson totaled 33 assists and 16 digs.

The Jaguars hope to finish the season on a high note in a conference matchup against the Oakland Grizzlies.

“The key to winning the game tomorrow night and ending the season on a high note is coming together as a team and remembering why we’re here,” Boatman said. “We’re out here for each other and to play the game we love.”

Johnson, who finished the game with 7 kills, also felt it was important for the team to come together one last time.

“I feel like the key to winning is making sure we come together as a team to get a kill and just listen to coach’s advice.”

The season finale against Oakland also serves as senior night for the Jaguars.

“It’s surreal because I’ve been playing volleyball for so long and this is my last match,” Boatman said. “I’m so excited to spend one last time out there with my teammates who I love so much. It means the world.”

The Jaguars won their only matchup against Oakland 3-1 on September 28.. They hope to win the final game of the season.

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