UIU 3 - LSSU 0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-17)

UIU 3 - Urbana 0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-17)

The Peacock volleyball team opened their season in Big Rapids, Michigan competing in the Ferris State Invitational.  Upper Iowa began their day with a 3-0 sweep of Lake Superior State and then added a second sweep as they took down Urbana in three sets to start their 2011 campaign at 2-0.

In their first match, the Peacocks outhit the Lakers .277 to .110 thanks to a 41-34 advantage in kills and a 15-23 advantage in attack errors.  Upper Iowa saved their best hitting for last as they recorded a .433 percentage in the final set.

Nicky Brown led the way on offense with 14 kills, while Kristy Hinrichs added 13 and Sara Vance knocked down 9.  Freshman setter Hailey Brown stepped in for an injured Skylar Lesan and delivered 34 assists in her first collegiate action.  Defensively the Peacocks were led by Danielle Gernes, who dug out 12 balls and Nicky Brown with 9, while Maryn Fulton stood tall at the net with 4 blocks including 3 solo.

In their second match, the Peacocks forced the Blue Knights into a .087 hitting percentage while hitting .252 themselves.  UIU owned a 43-24 advantage in kills for the three-setter and added 11 service aces including three each by Vance and Emily Sparks.

Vance and Nicky Brown paced the offense with 11 kills apiece, while Hinrichs added 8 and Kayla Wagner chipped in 7.  Hailey Brown was steady at the setter position with 32 assists, while Gernes held down the back line with 21 digs.  Nicky Brown added 16 and Hinrichs and Hailey Brown each tallied 9. 

Upper Iowa will return to the court in Big Rapids tomorrow for two more matches.  The Peacocks will face Southern Indiana at 9 a.m. and UW-Parkside at 2:30 p.m.