Upper Iowa hosted Minnesota State University Moorhead on Friday night in the teams' Northern Sun Conference opener for the 2021 season. The Peacocks swept the Dragons by scores of 25-20, 25-15 and 25-18 thanks to a balanced attack that saw five UIU hitters record at least eight kills.

The win improves Upper Iowa's record to 8-2 overall and 1-0 in the NSIC and marks the fifth straight win for the Peacocks over the Dragons.

The home team held their guests to a .072 hitting percentage and only allowed the Dragons 23 kills while forcing 16 attack errors. UIU posted 52 digs in the three-set affair led by their libero Charisma Herr, who notched 19 digs for a 6.3 per set average. Madelyn Rettler added 10 digs, while Sarah Stevelinck chipped in eight.

Offensively, the Peacocks hit .260 including a high-set of .467 in the third and final frame. UIU registered 45 kills in the match committing 18 attack errors, but only let two get away during the final set. 

Carlee Dove led the UIU hitters with 10 kills, but Kaitlin Niedert (9), Maggie Streightiff (8), Rettler (8) and Zoe Semelroth (8) all followed closely behind. Dove was highly efficient hitting .500, while Niedert and Semelroth each hit .333 on the night.

Nicole Pozorski continued her great start to the week handing out 37 assists for a 12.3 per set average. Through seven sets this week, the Eagle, Wisconsin product has dished up 91 assists for a per set average of 13. 

Upper Iowa will return to the court early Saturday afternoon to face off against the Wolves of Northern State University in another NSIC battle. UIU and NSU will be set for the first serve at 1 p.m. in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium.