INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Parkside volleyball team kicked off its 2025 campaign in dramatic fashion on Thursday night, defeating the University of Indianapolis in five sets, 3-2 (25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 17-25, 15-13), inside the Ruth Lilly Center. The victory gives the Rangers a season-opening win for the second straight year.

Head coach Leigh Barea praised her team's poise and execution in the season opener. "I'm really proud of our team's fight and finish for this one," Barea said. "There were multiple moments where people stepped up and executed in big moments. Our serving was fantastic and it was able to set us up to score points in big moments."

Setter Lucy Russ set the tone for Parkside's attack, dishing out a career-high 52 assists while adding 20 digs, one kill, and one service ace. She directed an offense that saw three players finish in double figures, led by Ava Irvin's 22 kills. Sam Fisch followed with 17 kills, while Abby Alms added 10.

Defensively, Natalie Harris collected a team-best 22 digs, while Mariena Coon tallied five block assists and three digs. Parkside also dominated from the service line, racking up 14 aces, including five from Marisa Lootens.

The Rangers jumped out to an early advantage with a 25-22 win in the opening set, followed by a strong 25-19 victory in the second. In the second set, the Rangers hit an impressive .242%, holding the Greyhounds to .103%. UIndy rallied back, taking set three 25-20 and set four 25-17 to even the match at two sets apiece. In the decisive fifth set, Parkside held its composure, outlasting the Greyhounds 15-13 to clinch the season-opening win. Ava Irvin totaled six kills in the fifth set alone to help lead the Rangers to victory.

Parkside returns to action at the UIndy Invitational on Friday, Sept. 5, when the Rangers face Tiffin University at 12:30 p.m.

For all things Parkside Volleyball and links to live coverage, please visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.