Box Score

Northern State University extended their winning streak to five matches tonight and handed Upper Iowa their first home loss of the season. The Peacocks continued their blocking success from a night ago, but the Wolves attackers proved to be too much to handle picking up 52 kills in their three set sweep. The three wins came by scores of 27-25, 25-21, 25-23 bringing Northern State to an overall record of 11-8 and 6-5 in the NSIC. With the loss UIU’s record falls to 12-8 and 6-5 in the Northern Sun. The two teams are tied for the eighth spot in the conference.

Northern State gained their 11-kill advantage in the first two sets. NSU used 19 kills to edge the Peacocks. The Wolves slowed down a bit during the second set recording 16 kills, but with a poor hitting percentage of .154, the Peacocks fell by four points. In the final set, Upper Iowa’s offense came to life. UIU recorded the match’s highest hitting percentage of .317, which included 17 kills. The Peacocks took control halfway through the third set with four straight points bringing the score to 17-15, but the Wolves would end up claiming the match thanks to outscoring their hosts ten to six.

Upper Iowa’s offensive attack was led by Melanie Behnke, who posted 13 kills on the night. Freshman Jennifer Mundt had nine kills, followed closely by Kayla Wagner with seven. Distributing the ball for the Peacock offense was Skylar Lesan, who dished out 36 assists. On the defensive side of the net, Danielle Gernes dug up 13 balls for Upper Iowa, while Maryn Fulton stopped five shots at the net.

The Peacocks will close out their three-game home stretch Tuesday as they face the Winona State Warriors at 7:00 p.m.