With a UNI Volleyball regular season coming to an end, the Panthers gear up for postseason play. After a clutch victory in the semifinals of the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Volleyball Tournament against the Illinois State Redbirds, UNI has improved to an overall record of 26-7. They won the matchup 3-1.

Junior Piper Thomas reached a career high with 28 kills, adding 10 blocks to the impressive performance. Karlie Taylor wrapped up her regular season by recording her 23rd double-double of the season with 16 kills and 20 digs.

Senior Heather Hook posted 15 digs and 56 assists for the 35th double-double in her career. Kendyl Sorge played a vital role on defense by recording 25 digs in the victory against the Redbirds.

The victory advanced the Panthers to the MVC Tournament Championship for the 23rd time in program history. The last time the Panthers were playing for the Championship was 2014.

The Panthers then played in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship that was ultimately claimed by the Missouri State Bears. UNI lost the Championship match in a 3-0 sweep led by the Bears in Normal, Illinois at Redbird Area.

Karlie Taylor led the team with 10 kills and 11 digs while freshman Jaydlin Seehase matched Taylor’s 10 kills with 10 of her own. The Panthers were forced to settle for their seventh runner-up finish in MVC Tournament history. Hook and Thomas were both named to the 2017 MVC All-Tournament team for their performance.

The Panthers then went on to record a 3-0 sweep against the Louisville Cardinals. Thomas posted a match high 18 kills and a .500 hitting percentage. Junior Bri Weber recorded a team-high 18 digs. The Panthers then advanced in the tournament and was defeated by the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers by a score of 3-1.

This riveting 2017 Volleyball season comes to a close with a healthy record of 27-9.