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University of Northern Iowa
Bradley
Panthers Take Down Bradley, 3-1
11/8/2008 7:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 8, 2008
Peoria, Ill. - Senior middle blocker Ashten Stelken had 15 kills and six blocks to lead the University of Northern Iowa volleyball team to a 3-1 win over Bradley Saturday night. Set scores were 25-13, 25-19, 21-25 and 25-15 in favor of UNI.
Sophomore outside hitter Shannon Aschoff added 11 kills of her own. Freshman middle blocker Michelle Burow led all players with a career-high eight blocks.
Bradley opened a 3-1 lead to start the match, but the Panthers responded with a 9-2 run to open a 10-5 advantage. UNI held a 13-8 lead before Stelken led the way during an 8-2 run with three kills. The Panthers took the opening set, 25-13, holding Bradley to -.079 hitting (9-12-38).
Leading 8-6 in the second set, UNI scored eight of the next nine points to extend its lead to 16-7. The Panthers nationally-ranked blocking made its presence felt during that run, as the Panthers had four blocks, including a solo from Stelken. UNI did not allow Bradley to get closer than five points the rest of the way in the 25-19 win.
The third set was close throughout. Bradley held a 10-7 lead early, but UNI was able to battle back and tie the score at 15-all after a Stelken kill. Neither team had more than a one point lead after that, until Bradley broke a 21-all tie by scoring the final four points to win the set, 25-21.
UNI broke a 5-all tie in set five, taking the lead for good by scoring six of the next seven points, to move in front 11-6. Stelken was once again the catalyst during that stretch, as she had three kills for the Panthers. Leading 16-12, UNI ended the set on a 9-3 run, posting a 25-15 win and earning the match victory.
With the win, UNI improved to 21-5 overall, 11-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference, while Bradley fell to 5-22 overall, 1-13 in The Valley. The Panthers return home next weekend to host Missouri State on Friday night (Nov. 14), with first serve from the McLeod Center set for 7 pm.
