Cyclones Defeat UNI, 3-1

Wednesday, August 30

Ames, Iowa

6:30 PM

Iowa State

Northern Iowa

08.30.2006 | Volleyball

By: Iowa State University

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State used 22 kills, 15 digs from Katie Jessen and 16.5 team blocks to defeat Northern Iowa, 3-1 (30-19, 28-30, 30-23, 30-23) in its home opener on Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones, who were spurred on by a raucous crowd of 2,225, captured the mythical state championship with the win over the Panthers.

The Cyclones (4-0), who have now won two straight over the Panthers after dropping 11 in a row, held UNI (2-2) to a .072 hitting percentage on the night. Erin Boeve joined Jessen in double figures with 14 kills, three solo blocks and nine block assists. Jessica Klein hit .474 and had 11 kills and four block assists for the Cyclones. Katie Churm's 26 digs were a match-high.

"I thought we did a good job on the block and we are able to run off points when we are blocking like that," said Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson. "The crowd was great tonight and I hope that is because there is a buzz around this team and we can continue to get this kind of turnout."

Northern Iowa got 20 kills from Laura Rowen and 15 digs from Stephanie May in the losing effort.

The Cyclones jumped all over the Panthers with a 30-19 win in the first game. Tied at nine, the Cyclones scored six of the next eight points to go on top 15-11 and capture the important first game. Jessen had seven first game kills for the Cyclones, who hit .368.

The Panthers were able to even the match with a come-from-behind 30-28 second game win. Iowa State led 28-25 but was unable to fend off the visitors, who took advantage of two service aces from Rowen.

ISU would rebound with 30-23 wins in the third and fourth games to finish off the Panthers.

In the third game, the Cyclones hit .282 while again holding UNI to a paltry .062 hitting percentage.

Northern Iowa took a 3-0 lead in the decisive fourth game before ISU stormed back to clinch the win.

Setter Alyssa Gintant had 50 assists and six digs for the Cyclones in her first collegiate start.

"I am happy for Alyssa," said Johnson. "She did a good job getting our middles in one-on-one situations. If you look our middles stats, Klein and Boeve hit .474 and .333. Those are impressive numbers and show that Alyssa played well."

The Cyclones will now travel to Irvine, Calif., for a set of matches against UC Irvine, Michigan and San Diego before returning home to face UMKC next Wednesday.