The University of Iowa volleyball team won the Rebel Challenge in Las Vegas, defeating Cal State Bakersfield in straight sets on Sunday at Cox Pavilion. This victory gave the Hawkeyes a 3-0 start to their season, which is their best opening since 2019.
Aleksandra Stojanovic, a sophomore, and Gabby Deery, a junior, led Iowa with seven kills each. Juniors Hannah Whittingstall and Stojanovic did not record any hitting errors during the match, posting hitting percentages of .600 and .583 respectively over 22 total swings.
Defensively, Iowa limited Cal State Bakersfield to a .096 hitting percentage and recorded 11 blocks. The team achieved double-digit blocks in all three matches of the tournament.
Four players made their debuts for Iowa: redshirt sophomore Allison Berent, freshman Marichka Hoshylyk, freshman Makena Rumple, and redshirt freshman Hallie Steponaitis.
Head coach Jim Barnes commented on the performance: “We were able to play several players and gain experience today. We have a talented team with many players getting out there for the first time as Hawkeyes. We showed some great signs, but we have some work to do to get to the level we are capable of playing. Hannah (Whittingstall) was consistent across all three matches and had big time blocking numbers. Sashka (Stojanovic) came alive in our last two matches and made the all-tournament team. Mo (Moisio) was the most consistent player on the court and landed on the all-tournament team. Claire (Ammeraal) was a difference maker and earned tournament MVP honors.”
In set one, Iowa took control after early back-and-forth points and extended its lead through strong serving runs from graduate student Chard’e Vanzandt. The set ended with Iowa hitting .368.
Set two saw Cal State Bakersfield take an early lead before Iowa responded following a timeout. Redshirt freshman Hallie Steponaitis contributed her first career kill during this set.
Set three featured more competitive play before another run by Iowa secured both the set and match victory.
Senior Claire Ammeraal was named MVP of the Rebel Challenge after finishing with 87 assists, 25 digs, and 20 kills over the weekend. She recorded her second triple-double as a Hawkeye during Saturday’s win over Utah Tech.
Seniors Milana Moisio and Aleksandra Stojanovic were named to the All-Tournament Team. Moisio posted 35 digs during the tournament while Stojanovic tallied 21 kills and nine blocks.
Iowa will host Butler for its home opener at Xtream Arena in Coralville as part of the Kwik Star Klassic from September 4-6. The match will be available via streaming on B1G+ (subscription required) and on Hawkeye Radio Network.
