UNI brought a small three-game winning streak with them on Tuesday, Sept. 13, as they traveled to Ames to go up against in-state opponent, Iowa State. The Cyclones were also in a bit of a groove, as they came into the game having won four in a row. Thankfully for UNI, they were able to end Iowa State’s winning streak and add on to theirs, as they won the match 3-1.

The first set saw both teams going back and forth all the way up until the score was tied at 15—this is when UNI went on a huge run to finish out the set. The Panthers took advantage of Iowa State’s mistakes, and had several good blocks and kills that helped them finish the set on a 10-3 run. Emily Holterhaus led the way with five kills, and the Panthers took set one with a score of 25-18. 

The Panthers came right back out in the second set, and took control early. They had the lead from the first point scored in the set, and when the score sat at 21-17, it looked like they were going to leave the set with a convincing 2-0 lead in the match. The great second set for the Panthers, however, would come to an end right there. The Cyclones came back with a run much like the one UNI made in the first set. With four kills, a service ace, a block and a couple of errors by the Panthers down the final stretch, Iowa State ended up winning set two, 25-22. Solei Thomas had four kills and Jordan Hopp had two blocks to help lead Iowa State to victory.

The third set was a pivotal one, as the match was tied 1-1. However, it was the Panthers that took advantage, dominating the entire set. They jumped out early and never looked back. Their largest lead in this one was seven points, and they took set 3 by a score of 25-20. Holterhaus and Kira Fallert combined for seven kills in the set.

Going into the fourth set up 2-1, the Panthers were looking to finish off the Cyclones. This set went similarly to the first one, as both teams were battling hard, and Iowa State was up just one when the score found itself at 15-14. The Panthers, however, were not going to let the Cyclones take the match to a fifth set. Down the stretch, Fallert had a kill, Inga Rotto had a block, Tayler Alden had two kills and a block, Carly Spies had a kill and two blocks, Olivia Tjernagel had two blocks and Holterhaus had three kills. All of the Panthers were making big plays, and the last kill by Holterhaus marked UNI’s 25th point of the set, and a 25-19 victory to finish off the Cyclones 3-1.

Fallert led the Panthers with kills on the day, having 15, and Holterhaus was just behind her with 13. Spies and Tjernagel both had seven blocks, and Alden had 42 assists.

The Panthers will look to continue their winning streak, as they play on Friday, Sept. 16, against North Florida and South Dakota State at the Hawkeye Invitational in Coralville. UNI will conclude their weekend with another in-state rival, taking on Iowa on Sunday. They will begin Missouri Valley Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 23, traveling to Indiana for a matchup with the Valparaiso Beacons. UNI volleyball will stay on the road for the early portion of their conference schedule, with their MVC home opener scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7, when they play host to the Bradley Braves at 6 p.m.