JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Indiana University of Pennsylvania dropped a five-set thriller to Pitt-Johnstown in its PSAC opener Tuesday at the Sports Center.

IUP jumped out to a two-set lead but could not close out the match, falling in the final three sets.

The opening set went past 25 points, with the Crimson Hawks taking it 27-25. IUP extended its lead with a 25-19 win in the second set, but Pitt-Johnstown answered with a 25-18 victory in the third.

The final two sets were decided by two points each, with IUP coming close to finishing off the Mountain Cats before UPJ sealed the match with a late four-point run in the fifth set.

Delaney Concannon led IUP with a season-high 19 kills and added 20 digs. Peyton Belcher and Jessica Neiman each contributed 15 kills. The Crimson Hawks finished with eight service aces.

Ellie Rauch posted a season-high 51 assists, averaging more than 10 per set, and added five kills on seven attempts.

IUP returns to the Kovalchick Complex on Saturday to host East Stroudsburg in a crossover match. First serve is set for 6 p.m.