Iowa Falls to Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — University of Iowa volleyball fell to Minnesota, 3-0, Friday evening inside of the Maturi Pavilion.
Fifth year Caitlan Buettner led the way for the Hawkeyes, posting seven kills and hitting at a percentage of .280.Freshman Nataly Moravec followed closely behind, putting down six kills, fellow freshman Kaia Mateo registered eight digs on the night, and Bailey Ortega recorded 11 assists.
Set 1 (Minnesota, 25-19): Minnesota posted the first two points, and Iowa utilized a Gopher error to start the set. Buettner posted the first Hawkeye kill, and redshirt junior Amanda Darling went back to serve an ace to bring the set to a tie at three. The pace of play remained tight, as the pair tied at four and five. The Hawkeyes pushed ahead by two after a kill by Moravec. The Gophers went on an offensive run, but redshirt senior Delaney McSweeney and redshirt junior Anna Davis stood strong at the net for a block to get the ball back for the Hawkeyes. Iowa then went on an offensive run themselves. The set came to a tie again at points 12 through 15before the Hawkeyes were able to put a kill from freshman Gabby Deery and a block from Buettner and freshman Rosa Vesty in the books. The Gophers went on another offensive run towards the end of the set. Iowa capitalized off a Minnesota error and Davis added a kill butwas not able to catch the Gophers. Minnesota took the first set.
Set 2 (Minnesota, 25-20): Iowa clinched the first point of the set thanks to an ace by Moravec. The two teams went back-and-forth towards the beginning, exchanging kills. The set came to a tie early at three. Vesty put the ball into Iowa’s hands, posting a kill. The Hawkeyes shortened the gap after capitalizing on a Gopher error and an ace by Vesty. Another Minnesota error brought the set to a tie at 11, and then again at 12 and 13. Davis and Vesty posted a block for Iowa to take the lead. Moravec put one down for a kill, giving the Hawkeyes a two-pointadvantage. Minnesota caught Iowa at 17 and put up three more points. Moravec and McSweeney put up a block, and Buettner registered a kill towards the end of the set, but Minnesota held its lead and ended up on top, taking the set.
Set 3 (Minnesota, 25-14): Minnesota started off strong and took the first two points. Iowa responded quickly, after Deery put down a kill and Moravec served an ace. The set came to a tie early at three. Minnesota pulled ahead with Hawkeye points sprinkled in, including a kill from Moravec. Iowa battled with help from a few Gopher errors. Deery registered another kill for Iowa later in the set, followed by a block by Buettner and Vesty and a Darling ace. The Hawkeyes put up a late fight towards the end, as Davis and Vesty paired up at the net for a block. Minnesota won the last few points, taking the set and match.
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes return to Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, to play No. 1 Nebraska on Sunday, Nov. 19 in front of a sold-out arena. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT on B1G+ (subscription required).
