Box Score
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Nationally-ranked Northern Iowa picked up a 3-0 victory over the University of Evansville volleyball team Friday evening at the Carson Center.
In her final weekend of action for UE (13-19, 3-14 MVC), Brooke Maher led the team with ten kills to go along with eight digs while Katie Klages led all players with 24 digs.
Michelle Burow finished with 11 kills to lead all players while Shelby Kintzel notched 10 kills for Northern Iowa (29-1, 17-0 MVC) as the Panthers extended their MVC winning streak to 53 matches dating back to the 2008 season. UNI dominated with its defense, notching 12 team blocks over the course of just three sets.
A quick start helped UNI take control early in game one. After UE tallied the opening point of the match, the Panthers came back on a 5-1 run and would not look back. Their lead would reach as many as nine points as the final was 25-16. Eight of UNI’s 12 team blocks came in the opening frame.
Set two saw Evansville start fast and hang with Northern Iowa for the majority of the game. Following three early UNI errors, the Aces jumped out to a 5-2 lead to begin the game. Just as fast as they opened up the advantage, UNI struck back, putting up seven consecutive points of their own, including service aces on three-straight serves.
The game-changing run came as UE trailed 11-9. An Amy Braun kill sent the Panthers on a 6-1 run to create a deficit Evansville would be unable to overcome as UNI wrapped up the match on a 5-0 run to take the 25-15 win.
Even though Northern Iowa was able to finish the sweep in set three, Evansville did not make it easy for the national powerhouse. The Aces once again came out swinging, scoring the first two points before opening up an 11-5 advantage. Maher recorded three kills in the opening span.
As was the case in game two, UNI fought their way right back into the match, scoring seven of the next eight to knot the game at 12-12. Evansville retook the lead on two occasions, but after leading 15-13, UE would see the Panthers score the next four to grab a 17-15 edge before holding on for a 25-20 win.
Ellen Sawin and Rachel TenHoor notched six kills apiece for UE. Sawin also finished with 17 assists and six digs. Bre Payton on UNI led everyone with 34 assists while Krista DeGeest led the Panther defensive attack with six blocks.
On Saturday, Evansville will play its final match of the season against Bradley at the Carson Center. The game will begin at 7 p.m. with Senior Night activities taking place just prior. Maher, Sawin, April Lubrecht and Kaisi Nixon will be honored.
