This Weekend in Peacock Volleyball… After a solid opening weekend in Michigan, the Peacocks (3-1) will now head east again to Indiana. Upper Iowa will compete at the UIndy Invitational in Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 1. UIU will line up against No. 12 Wheeling Jesuit University in an early morning match on Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. CT) before taking on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside at 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT). On Saturday, the Peacocks will challenge the University of Indianapolis at 1 p.m. ET (12 p.m. CT) and Quincy University at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT). Live stats and webcasts will be available all weekend through the links at UIUPeacocks.com/Live.
Baker's Dozen… The American Volleyball Coaches Association has released the first, regular season Division II Coaches Top 25 Poll and Upper Iowa is one of eight Northern Sun Conference schools in the rankings or receiving votes. The Peacocks are receiving votes for the 13th straight time including the final 11 weeks of the 2017 season. Upper Iowa joins seven other Northern Sun Conference members in the preseason poll including the top two ranked programs in the nation; No. 1 University of Minnesota Duluth, No. 2 Concordia University, St. Paul, No. 7 Northern State University, No. 8 Southwest Minnesota State University, No. 20 Wayne State College and No. 22 Augustana University. Winona State University is also receiving votes.
A Quick Look Back… Upper Iowa went 3-1 in their opening weekend at the Ferris State Invitational in Big Rapids, Mich. After a four-set loss to No. 4 Ferris State University, then ranked No. 21, the Peacocks shut out their opponents with three straight sweeps. UIU defeated Lake Superior State University, Clarion University and Mercyhurst University. For the weekend, Upper Iowa recorded 162 kills, 243 digs and 42 blocks. Head Coach Aaron Nelson earned his 100th win at Upper Iowa after the victory over Lake Superior State.
Pair of Peacocks Named All-Tournament… Following the final match of the Ferris State Invitational seniors Malissa LeClaire and Lauren Wombles were named to the all-tournament team. LeClaire recorded 124 assists (9.5/set), 48 digs, 9 service aces and 5 blocks. Wombles knocked down 30 kills (2.3/set) and added 5 digs.
Leaders on the Court… Junior hitter Anna Winter led the team in kills with 36, but junior Haley Weepie clipped her heels with 34 kills. On the backline, junior Gabby Holmes and senior Madi Meier paced the defense with 50 and 43 digs, respectively. Senior middle Bethany Lovhaug was a force at the net posting 18 blocks (1.4/set) for the Peacocks.
NSIC & Home Opener… Upper Iowa's conference and home opener will be on Thursday, Sept. 6. The Peacocks will welcome the defending NCAA DII Champion and No. 2 Golden Bears of Concordia-St. Paul to Dorman Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
