CEDAR FALLS – The UNI volleyball team captured the MVC regular-season title on Friday night, defeating the Ramblers of Loyola 3-1 with set scores of 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 25-18. The MVC regular-season title marks head coach Bobbi Petersen’s ninth, and the programs 19th.
The Ramblers went out to an early lead before the Panthers battled back, taking the set 25-23. The Panthers trailed through the second set, falling 20-25 before taking the third set 25-22. UNI led the Ramblers through the fourth set and closed out the match 25-18.
Karlie Taylor finished with her 22nd double-double of the season, finishing with 23 kills and 23 digs. The senior outside hitter tied a season-high with 4 aces. Taylor recorded her 500th kill of the season, becoming the first Panther to record three 500 kill seasons.
Kaylissa Arndorfer records the highest hitting percentage of the match, hitting .316 with 17 total kills on the night. Rachel Koop finished with her second-highest assists mark of the season with 54, the highest mark in a four-set match. Abbi Staack led the defense tonight, recording 35 digs, a career-high for the senior libero.
KEY STATS
– The win marked the Panthers 19th MVC regular-season title, more than any other MVC team
– Bobbi Petersen has now coached the Panthers to 9 MVC regular-season titles
– Karlie Taylor recorded her 500th kill on the season, becoming the first Panther to record 500 kills in 3 separate seasons.
The Panthers, now 22-9, will take on the Crusaders of Valparaiso on Saturday night. The Panthers swept the Crusaders back on September 30. The final regular-season finale will serve as the team’s senior night, honoring Karlie Taylor, Rachel Koop and Abbi Staack. The match will begin at 7 pm and can be viewed on ESPN+.
