Panthers sweep Salukis in straight sets

Saturday, October 1

Carbondale, Ill.

5 p.m.

University of Northern Iowa

11-6,4-0MVC

Southern Illinois

9-7,2-2MVC

UNI

Southern Ill.

Panthers sweep Salukis in straight sets

10/1/2022 7:07:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Match 17 Stats at Southern Illinois

Inga Rotto becomes UNI’s all-time leader in contests played

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The UNI Panther volleyball team entered Davies Gym as the only undefeated squad in Missouri Valley Conference play, and UNI emerged Saturday with its perfect record intact after defeating the Southern Illinois Salukis, 3-0 (25-6, 25-20, 25-20). This win over the Salukis (9-7 overall, 2-2 MVC) means that the Panthers (11-6 overall, 4-0 MVC) continue their best start to league action since a 6-0 opening in 2019.

With her start Saturday, Inga Rotto now holds the Panther record for most matches in a career at 139 outings. Rotto, who broke a brief tie for first place with Jill Arganbright, Molly O'Brien, Piper Thomas, and Kendyl Sorge, has made her 139 appearances in succession without a single contest missed in five seasons.

UNI posted a season-best .372 attack percentage and held Southern Illinois to an .085 clip. The Panthers also topped the Salukis in digs (41 to 30), blocks (nine to five), and aces (seven to two). Emily Holterhaus tallied a match-high 13 kills while hitting .345, and Rotto added 10 kills on .533 efficiency. Sydney Petersen, who registered the 100^th ace of her career in the sweep, led all performers with 14 digs and three service winners. Tayler Alden recorded 36 assists, and both Rotto and Carly Spies had four block assists.

Back-to-back aces from Petersen highlighted a 4-0 start that opened an 11-1 stretch to begin the match. The Panthers dominated the rest of the way and notched a perfect 7-of-7 sideout rate against Saluki serving to prevent Southern Illinois from making a comeback. UNI finished with a 25-6 triumph which represents the largest margin of victory in a first set and lowest score allowed in a first set in the 25-point rally-scoring era.

The sideout streak reached 13-of-13 overall within the second stanza, but Southern Illinois eventually strung enough points together to grab its first lead at 12-11. UNI answered with a 9-2 outburst which included consecutive Spies service aces. The Salukis were unable to muster a strong response as the Panthers closed out a 25-20 win.

UNI conceded an ace on the first serve of the third frame before rattling off six points in a row. Following a Saluki surge to climb within 9-8 and 10-9, the Panthers went on a run that started with back-to-back Rotto terminations and ended with Petersen's 100^th collegiate service winner. UNI held firm through the end of the match as another 25-20 triumph capped the contest.

Fresh off its 4-0 conference road swing, UNI returns to the McLeod Center for five home tilts over the next two weeks. The homestand opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday with the conference-leading Panthers hosting the Bradley Braves. Fans that are unable to attend can follow the action on ESPN3 and News/Talk 1540 KXEL.