Sept. 15, 2012
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — For two University of Iowa volleyball student-athletes the Marquette Invitational is more than just another preseason college volleyball tournament. It is an opportunity for junior Nikki Dailey and sophomore Emily Yanny to play at home.
Dailey is from Franklin, Wis., and Yanny is a native of New Berlin, Wis. Both locations are close in proximity to this weekend’s matches in Milwaukee.
“Home is about 15 minutes from Marquette,” said Dailey.
“I live about a half hour away from downtown Milwaukee and the campus,” said Yanny.
Dailey and Yanny are eager for the opportunity to play at the Marquette Invite this weekend.
“I am very excited for this weekend,” said Yanny. “Not only because we’ll be playing some great competition, but also because I will be in familiar territory back home.”
“I am very excited,” said Dailey. “I have been looking forward to this all preseason.”
Dailey is one of two Hawkeyes, joining fellow junior Bethany Yeager, who have started every match since the start of the 2011 season. Dailey has not missed a set since the start of last season.
Dailey, who ranks seventh all-time in program history with 1,867 assists, has notched four-straight double-doubles. She leads the team with six overall. The setter has earned all-tournament honors twice this season (Golden Grizzly Invitational, Iowa State Challenge).
Yanny has registered 21 kills this season and ranks third on the team with a .280 hitting percentage. The middle blocker has also made three starts for the Hawkeyes.
Growing up in Milwaukee, both became fans of the surrounding teams. There is no doubt about it now…they bleed Black and Gold.
“I grew up supporting the Brewers and the Bucks,” said Dailey. “I went to more games than I can count. Also, needless to say, I am a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.”
“I grew up watching and supporting all Wisconsin sports,” said Yanny. “The Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and the Golden Eagles. Do not worry though, it’s ‘Go Hawks’ all the way now!”
Dailey and Yanny are happy to have their families and friends in attendance this weekend in the Al McGuire Center.
“I am expecting to have some friends and family from the area in attendance,” said Yanny. “I will be really happy to have the opportunity to see them all. It will be great to be so close to home and to make it easier for them to attend our matches.”
“I will have both friends and family there,” said Dailey. “I am most excited for my two cousins and my grandma to come and support us. It is so nice for more of my family to have an opportunity to watch me play without making a big trip out of it.”
Iowa concludes action today facing the host Golden Eagles at 1:30 p.m. (CT).