Panthers Defeat Evansville in Five Sets

Saturday, October 26

Evansville, Ind.

5 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

16-9, 10-1MVC

Evansville

14-7, 5-5MVC

UNI

Evansville

Panthers Defeat Evansville in Five Sets

10/26/2019 7:35:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

EVANSVILLE, Indiana – The UNI volleyball team defeated the Purple Aces of the University of Evansville on Saturday night, winning the match 3-2 with set scores of 23-25, 14-25, 25-18, 25-16, 15-12.

The Panthers dropped the opening set for the first time in 13 matches, last falling on the opening set against Boise State on September 14. Saturday's match also marked just the third time the Panthers have played in five-set match this season, now holding a 2-1 record in five-set matches in 2019. The Panthers came back from trailing 0-2 to win the match, the last time that occurred on the road was against Missouri State back in 2011.

After dropping the first two sets the Panthers exploded in the final three sets to finished with a .260 hitting percentage. The Purple Aces would go quietly, finishing with a .235 hitting percentage, the second-highest percentage the Panthers have given up to a Valley opponent this season.

Karlie Taylor again led the Panther attack, racking up 52 total swings to total 22 kills and a .250 hitting percentage. The senior outside hitter also recorded 21 digs on the night to finish with her 17th double-double of the year. Kaylissa Arndorfer had a season-high 19 kills on 37 total swings, finishing with a .405 hitting percentage. The freshman also added four total blocks on the night.

Rachel Koop again showed why she is considered one of the best setters in the country, racking up 61 assists in the five-set thriller. Koop entered the contest leading the country in total assists and 15th in assists per set.
While Karlie Taylor led the Panthers with 21 digs, Libero Abbi Staack finished close behind with 15 and Baylee Petersen added 12 digs on the night.

KEY STATS
-Karlie Taylor finished with her 17th double-double with 22 kills and 21 digs.
-Kaylissa Arndorfer finishes with a season-high 19 kills while adding 5 digs, 4 total blocks and a .405 hitting percentage.
-Rachel Koop finished with 61 assists, 8 digs and one block assist

UP NEXT
The Panthers (16-9, 10-1) will return to the McLeod Center for two MVC matches next week, hosting the Salukis of Southern Illinois and the Bears of Missouri State on Friday and Saturday night. The Panthers have defeated both teams 3-0 on the road this season. Friday's match with Southern Illinois with start at 6 PM and can be viewed on ESPN3 while Saturdays match with Missouri State will begin at 5 PM and can be viewed on ESPN+.