University of Northern Iowa Athletics
University of Northern Iowa
Purple & Gold Scrimmage
Panther volleyball begins 2025 preseason with Purple and Gold Scrimmage
8/14/2025 11:06:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Three-time defending MVC champions to hold intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday inside the McLeod Center.
UNI volleyball - Purple & Gold Scrimmage
- Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
- 3 p.m. CT
- Cedar Falls, Iowa | McLeod Center
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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Panther fans will get their first opportunity to see the 2025 UNI volleyball team in action this weekend as the Panthers host their annual Purple and Gold Scrimmage on Saturday afternoon.
First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT inside the McLeod Center with doors opening one hour prior. The event is free and open to the public with UNI's clear bag and new cashless gameday policies in effect. Concession stands will be open for sales with volleyball team merchandise also available for purchase on the concourse.
Parking will be available in the lots located west, southwest and south of the McLeod Center. Fans traveling to Cedar Falls are also advised of on-going road construction near the intersection of University Avenue and Hudson Road when approaching campus.
Saturday's scrimmage marks the first step in a season-long journey for the Panthers who will be in pursuit of their fourth consecutive Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season and tournament championships this fall. UNI posted a 26-8 record in 2024 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national runner-up Louisville.
The Panthers, who enter the 2025 campaign receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)/Taraflex Preseason Coaches Poll, return 11 players from last season's roster, including a pair of All-MVC outside hitters in Lily Dykstra and Cassidy Hartman. Northern Iowa also returns the setter duo of senior Sydney Golden and sophomore Reese Booth, with redshirt sophomore defensive specialist/libero Taryn Rice also back.
UNI added seven new faces to the roster in the offseason with the signing of six high school prospects in Payton Askelsen, Sophie Buysse, Grace Hannam, Kiana Landers and Kate and Molly Shafer. The Panthers also signed middle blocker Lindsay Oldendorf via the transfer portal from San Francisco.
Following their intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, UNI is scheduled to play one final exhibition match at South Dakota on Aug. 23 before its Aug. 29 season opener at home against reigning Big 12 champion Arizona State. The Panthers will also host South Dakota State on Aug. 30 as part of opening weekend inside the McLeod Center. The full 2025 UNI volleyball schedule can be found HERE.
Single-match and season tickets for the 2025 volleyball season can be purchased online through the UNI Ticket Office, by calling 319-273-4849 or through email at tickets@uni.edu.
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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 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
