By Dylan Lux / The Jambar
Across a slate of five games, the Youngstown State University women’s volleyball team tallied a 1-4 record against Horizon League conference foes.
Oct. 18-19 saw two games against Indiana University Indianapolis inside Beeghly Center.
In Game One, Youngstown State took the first two sets 25-21, followed by an IU Indy win in the third set 25-18.
The comeback attempt by the Jaguars didn’t last long, as Youngstown State ended the game in set four, with a 25-16 win.
Leading the game in kills was junior Abbie Householder with 16. She also led the game with 20 digs. Fifth-year senior Isabel Schaefbauer had 38 assists in the win.
YSU blocked eight shots in the contest while only having one shot blocked all game.
Game Two had a thrilling matchup between the two squads, as the game went to five sets.
The Penguins took a 2-0 lead in two sets once again, with 25-18 and a dominant 25-10 win. The ’Guins were countered by two wins by IU Indy in straight sets to even the score 2-2.
Despite a closely contested final set, Youngstown State never held the lead after a 1-0 start. The largest lead by the Jaguars was three, with multiple ties.
In the end, IU Indy was able to split with the Penguins after a Game Two victory, 3-2.
Next up for YSU was a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a two-game series against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Coming into the matchup, Milwaukee was at 7-2 in Horizon League play — second in the conference.
Youngstown State lost Game One in straight sets, with Milwaukee leading the game in kills, assists and digs.
Even through the loss, the ’Guins led Game One in aces with nine and blocks with six. Fifth-year senior Dayan Malave led the game with four blocks, while Schaefbauer had the most individual assists with 25.
In Game Two, a similar result graced the scoreboard, as Youngstown State was swept 3-0 yet again.
The Panthers held Householder to 21 kills in six total sets, though she still led the ’Guins in the statistic.
Youngstown State returned home to Beeghly Center to face off against Robert Morris University on Oct. 29. The Colonials offense overwhelmed the Penguins defense as the team was swept 3-0.
Despite the loss, junior Bianca Giglio recorded a career-high 13 kills, while Householder posted a match-best 22 digs.
YSU will be back inside Beeghly Center for two-straight games against Horizon League opponent Oakland University.
Game One will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 and Game Two at 2 p.m. Nov. 2.
Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+.
