UNI Runs Win Streak to 7, Panthers Beat Salukis, 3-1

The University of Northern Iowa volleyball squad moved its win streak to seven in a row with a 3-1 win over the Southern Illinois Salukis on Saturday in the McLeod Center. UNI won by set scores of 25-14, 25-15, 20-25, 25-16.

UNI (17-7 overall, 8-3 MVC) moved to within 1/2 game of first place in the conference standings. SIU fell to 17-8 overall and 8-3 in league play.

Senior Amie Held registered her team-leading 13th double-double with 11 kills and 13 digs. Senior Kayla Haneline and sophomore Bri Weber each notched 14 kills.

The Panthers gained some early momentum with an 11-2 run in the first set to open up a 15-6 advantage over the visiting Salukis. UNI posted a 25-14 opening-set triumph. UNI hit .440 with 13 kills and two errors, while SIU was limited to .051 with 10 kills and eight errors.

UNI opened up a 2-0 lead with a 25-15 win in the second stanza. UNI used a 12-3 run to take a 15-6 lead midway through the second. UNI would hit .312 with 14 kills and three errors, while holding SIU to .057 with 10 kills and eight attack errors.

SIU regrouped in the intermission and came out on top in the third set, 25-20. The Salukis upped their hitting to .323 with 14 kills and four attack errors in the third set, while UNI dipped to .091 with eight attack errors.

UNI secured the victory with a 25-16 edge in the fourth and final set. UNI put the defensive squeeze on SIU in the fourth as the Salukis hit .028 with nine attack errors. UNI's 6-1 run turned a 13-12 lead into a 19-13 advantage.

UNI will be in action next weekend with road matches at Wichita State (Fri., 7 p.m.) and at Missouri State (Sat., 7 p.m.).

NOTES: UNI has won 27 of its last 28 matches vs. SIU in Cedar Falls ... UNI head coach Bobbi Petersen improved to 31-5 all-time vs. SIU ... Kendyl Sorge posted a match-high 19 digs ... UNI recorded seven service aces against only two service errors, while SIU produced four service aces but also had eight service errors.