Upper Iowa volleyball posted a big upset of No. 23 Augustana University at home on Saturday thanks to decisive wins in sets one, two and four posting their first NSIC victory of the season and snapping a three-match slide. After the win, UIU improves to 7-4 overall and 1-3 in the conference, while Augie falls to 10-2 overall and 2-2 in the Northern Sun.
 
The Peacocks forced their guests in to a .084 hitting percentage for the match allowing just 37 kills to the Vikings across four sets. Madelyn Rettler paced the defensive effort with 20 digs and Nicole Pozorski registered 14.
 
While the UIU defense was playing at a high level, the home team's service game was on fire as well. Upper Iowa registered nine aces in the match led by Zoe Semelroth (3), Rettler (2) and Pozorski (2).
 
Upper Iowa's offense focused on their middles on Saturday with Semelroth (12) and Sarah Johnson (11) combining for 23 of the team's 47 kills. Maggie Streightiff added nine kills while Rettler chipped in seven. Pozorski pushed the offensive output with 38 assists.
 
The Peacocks used big scoring runs throughout the match to put pressure on the Vikings. In the first set, UIU posted a pair of five-point runs and a span of six out of seven points on the way to a 25-17 win. In the second set, the home team trailed 18-15, but used a 10-1 run to win 25-19. The nationally-ranked Vikings found their stride in the third set to grab a 25-19 win, but Upper Iowa saved their biggest run for last in the fourth set. UIU trailed 12-10 midway through the frame, but 14 straight points by the Peacocks gave the team a 24-12 lead, which they converted into a 25-13 victory to win the match.
 
Next weekend, UIU will look to continue their winning ways in North Dakota. The Peacocks will travel to Bismarck and Minot to take on the University of Mary and Minot State University on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23-24.