LINCOLN, Neb. – The University of Iowa volleyball team fell in straight sets to the second-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers Sunday afternoon in front of a capacity crowd at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Hawkeyes drop to 8-8 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
Senior Michelle Urquhart was consistent once again for the Hawkeyes, recording 11 kills and reaching double figures for the fifth-consecutive match. Sophomore Hannah Whittingstall was productive at the net for the Hawkeyes with seven kills on 17 attempts. Senior Gracie Gibson remained efficient for Iowa, converting on six of nine swings, and hitting .667.
Match Summary
SET ONE (NEBRASKA 25-17)
The Hawkeyes dropped the first point of the match but were able to tie the game at 1-1 after a Gibson kill. The Huskers would begin to pull away but kills from Urquhart and freshman Malu Garcia would cut the deficit to 6-3. Iowa did not allow Nebraska to find much separation, as the Hawkeyes came back to tie it at 10 with two big blocks and kills from Garcia and Whittingstall. Nebraska went on a 9-4 run to win the race to 20. Kills from sophomore Gabby Deery and Whittingstall slowed the Huskers. Iowa was able to fend off two set points with kills from Gibson and Urquhart before Nebraska closed out the first set.
SET TWO (NEBRASKA 25-11)
Iowa got the lead early with a kill from Deery and Garcia to lead 2-1. Nebraska pushed back and went on a 10-3 run. The Hawkeyes responded with kills from Urquhart and Whittingstall. Another 5-1 run from Nebraska forced an Iowa timeout at 16-6. The Huskers would remain in charge, but Iowa saw offensive production with kills from Deery, Whittingstall, and Garcia all trying to break Nebraska’s rhythm. Iowa was able to fight off one set point before falling to the Huskers in set two.
SET THREE (NEBRASKA 25-13)
Nebraska got off to another hot start, going on a 6-3 run before kills from Gibson and Urquhart closed the gap. After kills from Urquhart and Whittingstall, the Hawkeyes remained close at 8-5. Nebraska would continue to push forward, forcing an Iowa timeout at 11-5. Two kills from Gibson and a Husker error brought the Hawkeyes within five at 15-10. Nebraska would continue to find openings finishing the set on a 10-3 run, winning the third set and the match.
UP NEXT: The Hawkeyes (8-8, 2-2 B1G) return home to play Rutgers (5-10, 0-3 B1G), Friday, Oct. 11th, and Purdue (11-3, 2-1 B1G), Saturday, Oct. 12th, at Xtream Arena. Friday’s match against Rutgers will begin at 6:00 p.m. (CT) supporting the Hawkeye Women Rise. Saturday’s match against Purdue will begin at 6:00 p.m. celebrating Parent Appreciation Day. Both matches will be streamed on B1G+.