UNI drops four-setter to Valparaiso

Friday, November 19

Cedar Falls, Iowa

6 pm

University of Northern Iowa

12-18,7-10MVC

Valparaiso University

20-8,11-6MVC

Valparaiso

UNI

UNI drops four-setter to Valparaiso

11/19/2021 9:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The UNI Panther volleyball team lost a 3-1 decision Friday against the Valparaiso Beacons in the McLeod Center. Valpo won by set scores of 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, and 25-17. UNI needs a win against Loyola and an Indiana State loss Saturday to tie for sixth place for a chance to earn a Missouri Valley Conference Volleyball Championship berth via tiebreaker.

The Panthers picked up 71 digs compared to 65 digs by the Beacons. UNI also registered 56 kills and 51 assists while hitting .196 in the match. The Panthers finished with six blocks and three service aces as well.

Kira Fallert led UNI with 17 kills in a double-double that included 11 digs. Emily Holterhaus topped the Panthers with 18 digs and added 14 kills for her latest double-double. Tayler Alden collected a team-high 25 assists, and Inga Rotto recorded five blocks while going 6-of-17 offensively for an errorless .353 clip.

Set 1: Kira Fallert's offensive outbursts powered UNI to leads of 7-5 and 8-6. The Beacons answered with a go-ahead surge, but the Panthers eventually rallied in front, 22-21, on a double block from Emily Holterhaus and Inga Rotto. Unfortunately for UNI, Valpo rattled off a 4-1 run to grab a 25-23 win.

Set 2: The score was tied at 8-8 when Inga Rotto propelled the Panthers to an 11-8 edge on two kills and a block with Tayler Alden. Emily Holterhaus extended the advantage to 17-12 with several terminations and an ace within a strong stretch. UNI ultimately notched a 25-20 victory and secured a 1-1 tie in the tilt.

Set 3: UNI turned a quick 5-0 deficit into a 9-8 lead thanks in part to another boost from Kira Fallert. The Beacons moved back in front before the Panthers forced late ties of 20-20, 21-21, and 22-22. Valpo won the next three points for a 25-22 triumph and a 2-1 match advantage.

Set 4: The Panthers overcame several four-point deficits en route to their first lead at 10-9. When Valpo regained the edge, Emily Holterhaus scored kills that secured 11-11 and 12-12 ties. The Beacons went ahead for good on a 9-2 run and later closed out a 25-17 win and a 3-1 match victory.

UP NEXT:
Kat Barr and Jenna Brandt will be recognized as part of Senior Night with UNI playing Loyola at 6 pm Saturday in the McLeod Center to finish the regular season.