Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 The Upper Iowa volleyball team opened their 2015 campaign in Marquette, Mich. at the Wildcat Open hosted by Northern Michigan University.  The Peacocks split a pair of three-set decisions after a loss to Michigan Tech (25-22, 25-20, 25-23) in the opener, but bounced back with a victory over Lake Superior State (25-9, 25-16, 25-20).

UIU's offense hit .294 for the day after picking up their performance at the net during the second match.  Senior outside hitter Jennifer Mundt led the offense with 30 kills on the day, while junior Kelsey Hinrichs added 17 and freshman middle Bethany Lovhaug picked up 11 kills.  Senior setter Jenna Hermsen recorded 48 assists in the six sets to keep the attack on pace.  Taylor Williams spearheaded the back line with 29 digs in the two matches, while Miranda LeJeune and Lauren Wombles each provided 4 blocks at the net.

In the first match, Upper Iowa and Michigan Tech locked up in a back-and-forth battle.  The two teams fought hard and nearly reached twenty points at the same time in all three sets.  Unfortunately for the Peacocks, their opponents controlled the final points of each set to edge them in each and earn the 3-0 win.

The offense really picked up in the second match as the Peacocks hit .440 against the Lakers with 46 kills including 19 by Mundt.  While the UIU defense was exerting their will, the Peacock defense was doing a good job to hold the Lakers' attackers in check with a .145 hitting percentage.

"It was a good start to the year for us," said Head Coach Aaron Nelson.  "In the first match, Michigan Tech played very well and we weren't able to adjust to their pace.  We got a big lead and pushed them in the third set, but just couldn't finish it off.  We'll look forward to seeing them again at our place next Thursday night.  In the second match, we started off strong and played very solid ball on our side of the net all the way through.  Overall it was great to see so many different players contribute today.  We'll keep working hard and improving each time we take the court."

The Peacocks will return to the court tomorrow to battle Fort Hays State and the host Wildcats of Northern Michigan in Marquette on Sunday.  The games are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET.