University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
South Dakota (Exhibition)
Panther volleyball hosts South Dakota Saturday in final preseason tune-up
8/22/2024 1:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
UNI battles Coyotes in exhibition contest open to the public this weekend.
UNI volleyball vs. South Dakota (Exhibition)
- 2 p.m. CT | Aug. 24, 2024
- McLeod Center
- Cedar Falls, Iowa
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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI volleyball team will play its final match of the 2024 preseason on Saturday afternoon as the Panthers host the South Dakota Coyotes in exhibition play beginning at 2 p.m. CT inside the McLeod Center.
The scrimmage is free and open to the public with doors opening one hour prior to competition. While no concession or alcoholic beverage service will be available, fans are permitted to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Spectators are also reminded to adhere to the UNI Athletics Department's new clear bag policy before arriving for the match. More details about the new policy can be found below.
Saturday's contest comes following a hotly-contested Purple and Gold Scrimmage for the Panthers last Saturday at home that treated fans to a rousing five-set battle in intrasquad play.
Earlier this week, UNI was voted as the favorite to win a third consecutive Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season championship in the annual coaches preseason poll with ten out of 12 first-place votes. Senior outside hitter Kira Fallert and senior defensive specialist/libero Erin Powers were also both named to the MVC's preseason all-conference team.
Northern Iowa will open the 2024 regular season on the road at the Dayton Flyer Classic on Aug. 30, facing off against Florida International, Dayton and Ohio State. UNI will play its first home match of the regular season on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. CT against Texas A&M.
Tickets for upcoming UNI home matches can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office, by calling 319-273-4849 or by emailing tickets@uni.edu.
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SCOUTING SOUTH DAKOTA
Under the leadership of 11th year head coach Leanne Williamson, the Coyotes prepare for the 2024 season after posting an 18-11 record overall last fall and 12-4 mark in Summit League play in fourth-place. Despite falling short in the quarterfinal round of the conference tournament, South Dakota qualified for the NIVC, where it fell short in the opening round against Wyoming in four sets.
Leading the Summit League at the service line with 200 aces last year, the Coyotes return Kylen Sealock, who dished out 46 aces a year ago and will look to lead USD after graduating leading attacker Madison Harms, who ranked in the top-40 nationally in 2023 with a .381 hitting percentage. Defensive specialist Kamryn Farris ranked second in the conference with 409 digs, while setter Avery Van Hook recorded 911 assists.
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CLEAR BAG POLICY
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, UNI Athletics will implement a clear bag policy for spectators for ticketed home events, as well as non-athletic events held inside the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center.
Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl or PVC that do not exceed a 12 x 6 x 12 inch size will be permitted, as well as one-gallon, resealable, clear plastic storage bags. Small bags that are not clear but do not exceed a size 4.5 x 6.5 inches will also be allowed.Â
UNI branded clear bags can be purchased at the UNI Bookstore, while UNI volleyball branded clear bags can also be bought at home matches, or by contacting Michelle Bolte at michelle.bolte@uni.edu.
Prohibited bags include purses, backpacks, printed pattern plastic bags, tinted plastic bags, duffle bags, fanny packs, reusable grocery totes, mesh or straw bags, large totes and cases (for camera, binoculars, etc.). An exception may be made for some prohibited items for medical necessity after proper inspection at the gate.
Additional information for fans about game day policies and procedures can be found online HERE.
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UNI volleyball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Volleyball), X (@UNIVolleyball) and on Instagram (@univolleyball). The full 2024 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
