CEDAR FALLS – The UNI volleyball team fell in the MVC Championship match on Saturday to the Redbirds of Illinois State, falling 3-0 with set scores of 21-25, 16-25, 19-25.
The Panthers struggled early in the match, trailing the Redbirds by as many as 7 and eventually dropped the set 21-25. The Panthers again trailed early in the second set and could not overcome the deficit, falling 16-25. UNI hit .000 in the second set, recording 10 kills with 10 errors on 38 total attacks. The Panthers captured their first lead early during set three but were unable to sustain the momentum and falling to the Redbirds in straight sets.
Karlie Taylor led the offense and defense tonight with 19 total kills off 40 attempts, finishing with a .325 hitting percentage as well as recording 8 digs. Taylor also earned a spot on the MVC All-Tournament Team. Rachel Koop set the offense and recorded 29 assists and also earned a spot on the MVC All-Tournament Team.
KEY STATS
- Inga Rotto earned the Elite 17 Award for having the highest cumulative GPA of participants in the championship match, Rotto has a 3.98 GPA in Economics.
- Seniors Rachel Koop and Karlie Taylor earned All-Tournament Team honors.
- Karlie Taylor led the Panthers with 19 kills and a .325 hitting percentage.
- Rachel Koop finished with 29 assists.
UP NEXT
The Panthers fall to 24-10 on the season and will now wait to see if they qualify for the NCAA Tournament, with the MVC Champion receiving an automatic bid the Panthers remain a long shot. The NCAA Selection Show will air on ESPNU at 7:30 PM CT. If the Panthers are not selected they will likely participate in the NIVC.
