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WASHINGTON D.C. — The University of Iowa volleyball team defeated Howard, 3-1, on Friday evening in the opening match of the American Volleyball Classic in Washington D.C.
FIGHT FOR IOWA
Jess Janota recorded 10 kills, a .500 attack percentage, and five blocks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1 (25-18) | The Hawkeyes jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, leading by as much as 17-8 en route to a 1-0 match lead. Kelsey O’Neill led Iowa with four kills and a perfect 1.000 attack percentage.
Sets 2 and 3 (20-25, 25-22) | After falling in set two, Iowa rebounded in set three. With a 19-18 lead, the Hawkeyes scored three consecutive points to extend the lead and eventually sealed the victory with a Taylor Louis kill.
Set 4 (25-20) | With the score tied 9-9, a kill from Louis sparked a 6-2 Iowa run to give the Hawkeyes the lead. Iowa never looked back and finished with a 3-1 match victory. Janota recorded three kills and four blocks to clinch the win.
HEAR FROM COACH SHYMANSKY
“I thought we jumped out well early in the first set, and then we tried to put it on cruise control and Howard was tough at home. They are a team that knows how to win. They showed why they are conference champions when they came back and really pressed us in the second and third sets. Their most powerful offensive weapon started to catch fire, and we knew that was likely coming into the match. That was part of our scouting report, so our execution and focus has to be higher.
“It was a long day for our group, and tomorrow will be even longer because we have to turn around and play right away at 9 a.m. (CT). I’m expecting a little bit deeper digging for the intensity level that we are capable of bringing. I want to see the same thing we brought against Iowa State or that we brought against Coastal Carolina when we were at Carver. We need to take that mentality with us on the road.”
NOTABLES
- Claire Sheehan recorded 10 kills, marking the second time this season she has had double-digit kills.
- Brie Orr registered 39 assists for Iowa, marking the 10th time this season she has had 30-or-more assists.
- Taylor Louis amassed 10 kills. This is the seventh time this season she has had double-digit kills.
RECORDS UPDATE
- Iowa: 9-2
- Howard: 2-9
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes take on American on Saturday at 9 a.m. (CT) in match two of the American Volleyball Classic in Washington, D.C.