The Panthers improved to 7-0 in conference play on Saturday while picking up the volleyball program’s 1000th win. UNI swept Southern Illinois, winning all three sets by an average of eight points .

UNI found themselves down early in the first set 12-11 before scoring the next seven points to take a 18-12 lead. 

Autumn Alitz had four straight kills during the Panthers run, finishing the night with a team-high 12 kills. Alitz also accumulated a team-high .611 attack percentage.

The Panthers jumped out to an early lead in the second set, scoring seven of the first eight points. 

UNI capitalized on eight SIU errors and never surrendered the lead after giving up the first point, taking the set 25-18.

The third set was the Panthers’ most dominant performance, jumping out 5-0 early and never looking back. 

Kinsey Caldwell had five straight assists to open the set, finishing the night with a match-high 37 assists.

UNI had their best attacking performance in the closeout set, posting an attacking percentage of .474 and completing the sweep, 25-17.

The Panthers have swept four of their seven conference opponents, compiling a 21-4 record in conference sets. 

UNI will open up a three game road stretch on Friday as they travel to Normal, Ill. to take on Illinois State. The Redbirds and the Panthers are currently knotted atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings while UNI has won 10 of their last 11 matches.