CEDAR FALLS – The UNI volleyball team closed out its regular season with a three-set-sweep over Valparaiso 25-20, 25-13, 25-11. It is the 13th consecutive win over the Crusaders for UNI who is undefeated in the series.
The Panthers allowed only two lead changes throughout the entire match while dominating at the net with 47 total kills to the Crusaders 26. UNI notched an attack percentage of .394, and held Valpo to .075 and forced 19 attack errors.
Kaylissa Arndorfer continued her efficient play with 11 kills on 17 attempts for a .588 hitting percentage. She closes the regular season with the highest attack percentage in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Senior Karlie Taylor and Kate Busswitz lead the Panthers with a tie of 12 kills. Busswitz finished with a .476 hitting percentage along with one block, Taylor recorded a total of five digs and two blocks. Inga Rotto recorded a .500 hitting percentage with six kills on 12 attempts to help lead the Panthers to dominate the frontcourt.
Rachel Koop, the NCAA’s assist leader, finished her night with 35 assists. Senior libero Abbi Staack led the Panthers with 12 digs and four aces and Baylee Petersen finished with eight digs.
KEY STATS
– Kate Busswitz recorded 12 kills total with a hitting percentage of .476.
– Kaylissa Arndorfer totaled 11 kills on 17 attempts for a .588 hitting percentage.
– With the 3-0 sweep, UNI ends the regular season with a Missouri Valley Conference record of 17-1.
UP NEXT
The Panthers host the MVC Volleyball Championship starting Thursday in the McLeod Center.
The top-seeded Panthers receive a first-round bye and play the winner of Bradley vs. Valpo at 5 p.m. Friday. The Championship game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. All MVC Championship matches can be viewed on ESPN+.
