CORALVILLE, Iowa — The University of Iowa volleyball team lost to Northwestern, 3-0, Saturday night at Xtream Arena.
Freshman Addie VanderWeide led the team in digs with 13, and senior Courtney Buzzerio registered a match-best 13 kills. Freshman Jenna Splitt posted 17 assists, as well as three service aces.
HOW IT HAPPENED
SET 1 (Northwestern, 25-20): Both teams sided out every couple of points until a 9-9 tie. The Hawkeyes took the lead, 11-9, forcing a Northwestern timeout. The Wildcats evened the score, 12-12. The score tied up three more times. Northwestern began to pull ahead, 21-18. Iowa pushed back, bringing the game within five, but could not close out the Wildcats. The set saw nine ties and four lead changes.
SET 2 (Northwestern, 26-24): Iowa brought the energy and started with a lead 5-2. The Wildcats came back with a six-point run, taking the lead, 8-6. After a 10-10 tie, the Hawkeyes pulled ahead, 17-11. Buzzerio had five kills to aid Iowa in taking its large run. Northwestern rallied from a 21-16 deficit to even the score at 24. Northwestern served an ace, followed by an Iowa error for the Wildcat win.
SET 3 (Northwestern, 25-20): The teams went back-and-forth in the first half of the set. Northwestern began to build its lead, 11-7. Northwestern extended its advantage to 17-12 and 21-15. The Hawkeyes fought back, bringing the game to a four-point spread, 24-20, but the Wildcats scored the final point to secure the set and match. Like second two, Buzzerio recorded five kills to lead the Hawkeyes.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH VICKI BROWN
“This was the first match where we saw Courtney Buzzerio find ways to score on the outside. She did a great job of finding her way. We have always asked Courtney to step up in different positions and that just proves how much of a competitor she is. She steps up, and she finds her rhythm.”
NOTABLES
- Sophomore defensive specialist Leanne Lowry made her first start this season.
- Hannah Clayton was credited with a game-best four blocks.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes host nationally-ranked Nebraska at Xtream Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 20. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT).