CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — As the thrilling 2024 regular season for UNI volleyball reaches its climactic point, the Panthers are set to face their in-state rivals, the Drake Bulldogs, in Des Moines. This highly anticipated showdown features the two leading teams of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and the stakes are high as critical conference tournament seeding hangs in the balance.
The first serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT at the Knapp Center, and fans can catch live coverage through ESPN+ or tune in to the Panther Sports Radio Network. Talented commentators Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Jay Grassley will be on-site providing live updates.
The UNI Panthers have already secured at least a share of the MVC regular season title for a remarkable third consecutive year, following their impressive performances last weekend. They can achieve an outright title along with the coveted top seed for the forthcoming MVC tournament through three potential scenarios: a decisive victory over Drake, a loss to Drake that includes winning at least one set, or a straight-set defeat coupled with outscoring the Bulldogs in sets played this season.
In their last weekend’s action, the Panthers demonstrated their dominance with two straight-set victories on the road against Missouri State and Southern Illinois, showcasing a robust team performance. UNI amassed an impressive 11 blocks and 46 kills during their match against Missouri State, while limiting the Salukis to a meager 12 kills and a -0.119 hitting percentage—achieving a clean sweep over both opponents.
As reported, UNI is streaking with momentum, boasting an extraordinary record of 35 consecutive MVC regular season victories, marking the fourth-longest streak in the program’s storied history. The Panthers’ last setback in MVC action occurred on November 23, 2022, during a four-set battle against these same Bulldogs. Extending beyond MVC matches alone, UNI has proven to be an unstoppable force with an impressive tally of 39 straight wins against MVC teams in both regular season and tournament play. Their current winning streak of 17 matches ranks as the seventh-longest active streak in NCAA Division I.
Leading the charge for UNI’s offensive efforts is Kira Fallert, who has recorded a formidable 384 total kills over the course of 29 matches. Close behind her is Cassidy Hartman with 325 kills, contributing to an offense that ranks second nationally with an impressive average of 14.6 kills per set.
Powers has also shined, leading the Panthers with 43 service aces, while her astounding 487 digs this year place her fifth in the MVC rankings. This week, she made history by becoming the first Panther since Jill Arganbright and Michelle Burvee in the early 2000s to notch 40 or more aces across consecutive seasons. Powers is the first player since Kate Marovich in the mid-90s to achieve a similar streak.
In terms of setup, setters Sydney Golden and Reese Booth have successfully split their time on the court, with Golden averaging 6.5 assists per set and Booth contributing 4.9 assists. Kacie Rewerts stands out as well, leading the MVC with an impressive 1.4 blocks per set. She now ranks third in MVC history with 591 career block assists, and boasts the title of NCAA’s active career leader in total blocks at 672, while also sitting fifth in Division I with a remarkable average of 1.37 blocks per set throughout her career.
Notably, UNI has earned the distinction of being the only team in NCAA Division I volleyball to maintain the same starting lineup in every match this season, showcasing the consistency and unity of players Hartman, Olivia Tjernagel, Fallert, Rewerts, Golden, Kaitlyn Sellner, and Powers.
SCOUTING DRAKE
Drake Bulldogs, like their counterparts in the Panthers, have navigated the MVC schedule with remarkable success, currently trailing UNI by just one game. A victory over the Panthers would not only strengthen their position but also potentially lead to a share of the MVC regular season title.
The Bulldogs are soaring, riding a ten-match winning streak, with their only defeat since October 14 occurring at the hands of UNI. Last weekend, Drake secured narrow yet thrilling road victories, triumphing 3-1 against Southern Illinois and clinching a dramatic five-set match against Missouri State.
Macy Daufeldt, the reigning MVC Player of the Week, is leading the Bulldogs with a staggering 455 total kills this season, followed by former Panther Megan Witte with 348 kills. Jada Wills, a formidable presence on the defensive front and six-time MVC Defensive Player of the Week, has anchored the backline with an impressive 730 digs, while Bliss Beck provides leadership with 108 total blocks at the net.
Thanks to Wills, the Bulldogs currently rank sixth nationally in digs per set at 18.2, and they also sit second in Division I for offensive activity, averaging 40.1 attacks per set.
Fans can keep up with UNI volleyball throughout the 2024 season by following them on social media platforms including Facebook (UNI Volleyball), X (@UNIVolleyball), and Instagram (@univolleyball). For a comprehensive view of the current 2024 schedule, roster, and the latest updates around the Panther program, visit UNIpanthers.com.
How do you plan to utilize the strengths of Kira Fallert and Cassidy Hartman in the upcoming game?
**Interview with UNI Volleyball Head Coach, Bobby Peterson, Ahead of the Match Against Drake**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Peterson. Excitement is palpable as you prepare for this critical matchup against Drake. What’s the mood like within the team as you head into this rivalry showdown?
**Coach Peterson:** Thanks for having me! The mood is incredibly positive; the team is focused but also excited. We know how important this match is—not just for our seeding in the MVC tournament but also because of the rivalry. The players are highly motivated and ready to compete.
**Editor:** The Panthers have had an impressive season, including a remarkable 35 consecutive MVC regular season victories. How do you keep the team grounded amidst such a streak?
**Coach Peterson:** It’s all about maintaining our focus on the process, not the streak. We emphasize that every match is a new opportunity, and we need to treat it that way. We analyze our past performances, learning from them while setting our sights on improvement. Being consistent is key, and we strive to bring our best every game.
**Editor:** Kira Fallert and Cassidy Hartman have been leading your offensive game this season. What do you think has contributed to their success?
**Coach Peterson:** Both players have been phenomenal this season. Kira’s ability to find ways to score and Cassidy’s versatility on the court make them a formidable duo. Their hard work in training and understanding of our game plan are huge factors in their offensive contributions. They also thrive on the chemistry they’ve built with the team.
**Editor:** UNI remains the only team in NCAA Division I to keep the same starting lineup throughout the season. What impact do you think this consistency has on your team’s performance?
**Coach Peterson:** Consistency fosters trust and communication on the court. The players know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which allows us to play more cohesively. It also helps with our rotations and strategies since everyone is comfortable with their roles. It’s a testament to the players’ hard work and dedication as well.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned some potential scenarios where you could clinch the MVC outright title during the match. How do you plan to approach this game strategically?
**Coach Peterson:** We’ll focus on executing our game plan—serving aggressively, blocking effectively, and maintaining high energy. We need to take care of our side of the net and play our style of volleyball. No matter what, our primary goal is to play our best and execute the fundamentals well.
**Editor:** how crucial is the support from the fans as you approach a match of this magnitude at Drake?
**Coach Peterson:** Fan support is invaluable. It helps energize our players and creates an electric atmosphere that makes our home matches feel special. We always appreciate our fans, and we hope to bring home a win for them. Their energy motivates us to perform even better!
**Editor:** Thank you, Coach Peterson. Best of luck in the match against Drake!
**Coach Peterson:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it!
