Northern Iowa’s Stingy Defense Out-Digs Rutgers 46-28 in 3-0 Sweep

MATCH STATS

• RV Northern Iowa def. Rutgers 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-20)
• RV Northern Iowa improves to 6-2; Rutgers falls to 3-4
• Kansas City, Missouri (UMKC Tournament)
• Box Score

Kansas City, Missouri – Northern Iowa kicked off their weekend with a win over Rutgers in which they outscored their Big Ten counterpart 75-48 in a three-set sweep.

The Panthers have proven to be one of the scrappiest defenses in the country over the years, which showed in this one as Northern Iowa totaled 46 digs to Rutgers’ 28.

Part of that discrepancy was also because Northern Iowa put down more kills (43-25) at a higher rate (.319-.073) than Rutgers.

Karlie Taylor (12 kills) and Piper Thomas (10 kills) led the way for the Panthers offense as they were extremely efficient as well, hitting .320 and .533 respectively.

Sahbria McLetchie was the closest Scarlet Knight to double digit kills with nine as no player on Rutgers hit over .200 against the Northern Iowa defense.

Northern Iowa now finishes off this tournament with South Dakota later today and the hosts (UMKC) tomorrow. Rutgers completes the UMKC Tournament with the same two teams, just switched up in the schedule as they get UMKC tonight and South Dakota on Saturday.

PRESS RELEASES:

Courtesy of Northern Iowa:

Box Score (PDF)

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The University of Northern Iowa volleyball team made quick work of its opening-round opponent Rutgers at Kangaroo Klassic hosted by UMKC. UNI scored a 3-0 victory over Rutgers by set scores of 25-13, 25-15, 25-20.

UNI (6-2 overall) recorded its second straight sweep and third 3-0 win of the season. Rutgers fell to 3-4 overall.

The Panthers held the Scarlet Knights to an .073 hitting percentage – the third time this season that UNI has limited the opposition to less than .100 hitting effort. UNI posted a 69-percent sideout effort in the three-set win. In the second set, UNI was able to side out on 14 of 15 opportunities for a 93-percent performance.

Sophomore Karlie Taylor continued her torrid start to the season by leading the Panthers in kills with 12. Junior Piper Thomas joined her double-figure kills with 10 (.533 hitting percentage). Senior Heather Hook provided another all-around effort with 29 assists, seven digs and six kills.

UNI will continue its play in the Kangaroo Klassic later this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. against the South Dakota Coyotes.