The UNI volleyball team traveled to Valporaso, Ind. to take on Valparaiso to play two matches in two days on March 14 and 15. UNI was 6-8 heading into this weekend series and 5-5 in Missouri Valley Conference play, while Valpo was 8-8 on the year and 6-6 in the conference. These were two evenly-matched teams heading into the games and the first match proved to be as such.

Valpo struck first, winning the first set by a score of 26-24. They then took the second set by a larger score of 25-17. But then UNI battled back and took sets three and four by scores of 27-25 and 25-23 to even the match score at two each.  Coming down to the fifth and final set, it was a battle to the end. The Crusaders won it by a score of 15-13, taking the first game of the weekend.  Valpo was carried by Jillie Grant with 17 kills, two aces, three assists, and 15 digs in the match. They were also aided by Jaclyn Bulmahn who had 14 kills and five blocks, Victoria Bulmahn who had 47 assists and two aces, and Rylee Cookerly who had 27 digs for the match.  Leading the way for UNI was Emily Holterhaus who had 17 kills, one ace, five blocks, and 17 digs for an excellent match.  They were also led by Tayler Alden with 52 assists and Baylee Petersen with 20 digs.

For the team comparisons as a whole UNI and Valparaiso’s numbers were pretty close. UNI scored by more points, kills, blocks, and assists then Valpo. But, Valpo had more aces and digs in the match.  Sunday’s match proved to be a hard-fought, competitive contest.

The second game was the following day on Monday afternoon, yet this time the Panthers didn’t fare as well as the first game. The Panther women lost in three straight sets to lose the game and the series. Valparaiso won the first set 25-15, the second set 25-18, and the third on 27-25. When looking at the team comparisons Valpo had more points, kills, assists, and digs than UNI which ultimately led to the Panthers loss on Monday. Valpo was led by Bella Ravotto who had 13 digs and two aces as well as Peyton McCarthy with four blocks and an ace.

UNI’s next two matches will be at home against Loyola-Chicago on Sunday at 2 p.m. and then Monday at 5 p.m. They will round out the regular season on the road against Bradley on March 27-28 before playing in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament from April 1-3.