Coming off of a five-set winning streak, the Panthers volleyball team took a step back this weekend, falling to both Indiana and Illinois State. Taking on Indiana State on Friday, Oct. 2, the team fought hard and fell 2-3 in a five-set battle against the Sycamores. Facing the Redbirds the following day, the Panthers received a heavy 0-3 blow, falling in the MVC, 3-2.

Improving 1-2 overall in the MVC, Indiana State beat UNI by set scores of 25-17, 25-16, 20-25, 20-25 and 15-9.

The five-set match opened with the Sycamores accumulating an 11-3 lead over the Panthers.  Attempting to close the gap, UNI got within four points of their opponent at 10-14 and 11-15 but couldn’t get any closer, finishing out the set, 25-17.

After taking a loss in the second set as well, the Panthers came back to claim two 25-20 victories over Indiana State.

The third set was tightly knit, with a difference of only three points between the teams until UNI took off after 20-20.

Similarly in the fourth set, the Panthers battled neck-and-neck with their opponents breaking away only after a set score 22-20.

Unfortunately, the tie-breaking loss of 15-9 separated UNI from the match title and lowered their season record to 9-8.

The following day, the Panthers traveled to Normal, IL and took on the Illinois State University Redbirds. Fighting all the way through, UNI fell 0-3 with set scores 15-25, 22-25 and 17-25.

Persevering through the losses was junior Amie Held, who earned a double-double of 12 kills and 25 digs within the three sets.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the Panthers will host Wichita and Missouri State this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the McLeod Center.