SPORTS: Volleyball Defeated Twice On Opening Day

by Michael Hadley


The IUPUI Women's Volleyball team began it's season 0-2 at the Northern Illinois University Invitational, falling victim to preseason MAC favorite and host Northern Illinois, as well as No. 14 Northern Iowa.


In the first match, IUPUI managed just one set victory but in their efforts were not enough. Falling behind 2-0 (25-18, 25-15), Steve Payne's squad fought back to steal the third set 25-19.


“For the day, we had some high points and low points,” he said. “We definitely showed we can play with these teams by taking that set off Northern Illinois."


But the surge of confidence subsided by the fourth and IUPUI's opportunity quickly slipped away. The Huskies completed the victory on a 25-13 shellacking.


Moriah Fair had 16 kills for the Jags, and Shari Bernhardt lead the way defensively picking up 17 digs. 


Northern Iowa came into the season ranked No. 14 in the NCAA polls, and showed why in their match against IUPUI only three hours later.


The first set was all Northern Iowa who cruised to an impressive win of 25-16. The Jaguars were more competitive in the second set, six attacking errors saw the effort for go for naught. 


Trailing 2-0, IUPUI needed a victory in the third set to stay in the match. Tying the score at 21, and again at 23, it seemed the Panthers could be tamed. Two kills in a row by Northern Iowa dashed the Jaguar's dreams and ending the match 3-0 in favor of the Panthers.


Fair again led the Jags with 12 kills, and Bernhardt registered 20 digs, her first 20+ match of the season.


IUPUI plays again on August 27, taking on No. 18 Iowa State and Cincinnati at 11 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET respectively. 


DEKALB
Game 1
IUPUI 18-15-25-13 (1)
N. Ill 25-25-19-25 (3)


Game 2
IUPUI 16-19-23 (0)
N. Iowa 25-25-25 (3)