CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Wichita State volleyball dropped a three-setter to former Missouri Valley Conference rival and 2025 NCAA Tournament team, Northern Iowa, 25-23, 25-18, 25-15, Friday evening in the McLeod Center.
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Sophomore
Jenna Cubbage led the Shockers (3-8) with nine kills and a team-high 12 digs.
Danielle Moore chipped in seven kills, and
Maddie Wilson recorded three blocks.
Jordan Heatherly and
Addie Oeth dished 10 assists apiece.
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In set one, the Shockers battled back from a 9-3 deficit to pull the match even at 22-all, but UNI (5-5) closed out the set on an Isabelle Elliot kill.
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The Shockers struck first in the second set with a
McKenzie Jones kill, taking their first lead of the match before the Panthers went on a 7-0 run. Northern Iowa carried the early momentum, leading as many as eight, before claiming a 25-18 set two win. Wichita State experienced another slow start in the third set as UNI took its third 5-1 lead of the match. The Panthers used an 8-1 run to create a 12-point buffer and ultimately completed the sweep with a 25-15 set three victory.
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Northern Iowa was led by Lily Dykstra and Cassidy Hartman, who recorded 17 and 15 kills, respectively.
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The teams return to the court Saturday at 1 p.m. for a rematch at the McLeod Center.
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