UNI Panthers Volleyball Blanks Bradley, 3-0 [Video]

The University of Northern Iowa volleyball program snared a 3-0 victory over the Bradley Braves on a chilly, snowy night in the friendly confines of the McLeod Center. UNI won by set scores of 25-14, 25-18, 25-23.

UNI (17-13 overall, 11-6 MVC) used 12 kills from both Kayla Haneline and Amie Held to power past the Braves. Kendyl Sorge added a team-high 16 digs and Heather Hook posted a match-high 40 assists. Bradley fell to 6-23 overall and 1-16 in league play.

The UNI Panthers recorded their 21st straight win over the Braves in the series between the two schools. UNI improved to 60-9 all-time against the Braves.

UNI jumped out early to a set lead with a 25-14 win. UNI overpowered Bradley with a .556 hitting percentage in the first set. UNI never trailed in the opening set and the score was tied at 3-3 before the Panthers took a look they would not relinquish.

UNI took a 4-1 lead in the second set only to see the Braves storm back and take a 5-4 lead on a 4-0 run. The Braves led 7-6 before UNI took the lead and would not give it back. UNI used an 11-5 run to take a 17-12 lead in the second set. The Panthers would close out the set at 25-18.

The Panthers looked to close out the victory with a triumph in the third set. UNI looked strong with a 12-6 lead midway through the third set, but Bradley managed to rally and tie the set at 23-23. UNI's Piper Thomas and Kayla Haneline would finish off the Braves with back-to-back kills to give the Panthers a 25-23 win.

UNI will honor three seniors prior to Saturday night's match vs. Loyola in the McLeod Center. The Panthers will honor Autumn Alitz, Jana Braakhuis, and Haley Wandrey before taking on the Ramblers at 7 p.m.

NOTE: UNI opened the McLeod Center on Nov. 18, 2006, with a 3-0 win over Bradley ... the McLeod Center is celebrating is 10th anniversary this season.