CHICAGO, Ill.- The Indiana University South Bend Titans (1-4, 1-0 CCAC) defeated the Saint Xavier University Cougars (0-5, 0-1 CCAC) in four sets by scores of 25-20, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19. 

Set 1

The Titans and Cougars traded points early as set one was tied at the 9-9 mark. Back to back kills by both Macy Sherman and Abigail Seeger helped IU South Bend jump out to a 16-11 lead before Saint Xavier rallied with four consecutive points to bring themselves within one at 16-15. Tied as late as 19-19, IU South Bend won six of the next seven points to go onto victory in set one 25-20. 

Set 2

Set two came down to the deciding moments as IU South Bend was just two points away from victory. Leading 23-21, Saint Xavier went on to win the next four points, making them winners of set two 25-23. 

Set 3

Falling behind to an early 3-2 deficit, IUSB won eight of the next eleven points to jump ahead of the Cougars 10-6. Kills by Abby Weber, Abigail Seeger, and Macy Sherman forced Saint Xavier Head Coach Bob Heersema to use a timeout as the Titans extended their lead to 14-8. IU South Bend kept their foot on the gas pedal, leading as much as 24-11 before Saint Xavier responded with three consecutive points. A kill by junior Ryleigh Grott sealed set three for the Titans, winning 25-14. 

Set 4

After dropping the first two points, IUSB won 10 of the next 13 points to jump out to an early 10-5 lead. Still, the Cougars rallied, tying the game as late as 18-18. Blocks by Alexis Joyner and Abigail Seeger as well as service aces by Sydney Hanna and Macy Sherman clinched the game for the Titans, winning set four 25-19. 

Overall, the IU South Bend offense was led by hitters Abigail Seeger and Ryleigh Grott who both finished with 16 kills, as well as setter Emma Knowlton who finished with an early season high of 43 assists. Junior Macy Sherman finished one kill shy of double-double status, tallying 16 digs and nine kills in Thursday's victory while defensive specialist Sydney Hanna led the defense with 24 digs. Reigning NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection Abigail Seeger finished with a career high seven blocks in the four set victory over Saint Xavier. 

The Indiana University South Bend Titans return to action on Friday, September 1st, when they travel across town to compete in the Bethel Invite, squaring off with the Pilots of Bethel University at 7:00 PM.