Petersen ties all-time win record in weekend sweep

PATRICK HANSEN

The UNI volleyball team extended their win streak to six games on Saturday, Nov. 2 as the Panthers finished their two-game homestand 2-0.  

The weekend was historic, as head coach Bobbi Petersen tied the record for the most wins in UNI volleyball history at 503 career victories in a sweep over Missouri State. Additionally, Karlie Taylor passed former Panther Piper Thomas with 1,573 kills, 34 away from passing coach Petersen. 

Friday night saw the Purple and Gold start the weekend with a 3-1 match win over Southern Illinois. 

Abbi Staack led the way with 20 digs on the night, followed by Karlie Taylor recording 18 and Rachel Koop with 17. Taylor and Koop both recorded a double-double, with Koop notching 51 assists while Taylor added 18 kills.  The Panthers recorded 68 kills and 89 digs on the night. 

The Panthers followed their 3-1 win with a sweep of Missouri State.  Inga Rotto and Emily Holterhaus both grabbed ten kills to lead the Panther effort, followed by nine from Taylor. Staack grabbed 17 digs in the win along with Taylor Hedges recording ten digs.

Adding to the weekend’s achievements, Karlie Taylor is nationally ranked third for most attacks with 1,120 and fourth in kills with 408. Koop is also on the leaderboard in first place for total assists with 1,043.

Up next, UNI will take their show on the road on Friday, Nov. 8 at Illinois State in a match against the only conference team that has taken down the Panthers this season.