Iowa City Today

Iowa will host the Kwik Star Klassic volleyball tournament at Xtream Arena from September 4 to 6. The event will feature matches against Butler, Illinois State, and Loyola Chicago. Iowa's home opener is scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 p.m. against Butler, followed by games versus Illinois State on Friday and Loyola Chicago on Saturday during Kids' Day.

The Hawkeyes recently won the Rebel Challenge in Las Vegas with sweeps over UNLV and Cal State Bakersfield, as well as a five-set victory over Utah Tech. Claire Ammeraal was named tournament MVP after recording 87 assists, 25 digs, and 20 kills. She also achieved a triple-double against Utah Tech. Milana Moisio and Aleksandra Stojanovic were selected for the all-tournament team.

Three upcoming Iowa matches will be televised on the Big Ten Network: at Washington (October 4), vs. Rutgers (October 26), and vs. Penn State (November 29). Iowa is set to return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena this season for the first time since 2021, hosting USC and UCLA in October.

Fans can follow Iowa's matches via streaming on B1G+ (subscription required), through live broadcasts on the Hawkeye Radio Network’s YouTube channel with John Evans, or by checking live stats on hawkeyesports.com.

Butler comes into the Klassic with a 3-0 record after winning the Big Dawg Kickoff, led by Alaleh Tolliver and Elise Ward in offensive production. Kaylee Finnegan has tallied 128 assists so far this season under head coach Kyle Shondell.

Illinois State opened its season with three sweeps at the Western Michigan Tournament and finished last year with a winning record in conference play. Aida Shadewald leads their attack while Khenedi Guest anchors their defense under coach Allie Matters.

Loyola Chicago claimed its second league title last year and advanced past BYU in its first NCAA Tournament win. The Ramblers began their current season with one win at the Western Kentucky Invitational, relying on outside hitters Leyna Nquyen and Kaitlyn Burke for offense under head coach Amanda Berkley.

Five international players are featured on Iowa’s roster of nineteen athletes this season. Sophomore Aleksandra Stojanovic and freshman Carmel Vares led offensively in recent matches, while Greta Schlichter contributed defensively across three contests.

New transfers include libero Allison Berent from Alabama; Milana Moisio from Miami (FL); Greta Schlichter from Syracuse; and Chard’e Vanzandt from Chattanooga. Each brings previous collegiate experience—Moisio joins after three NCAA Tournament appearances with Miami (FL), while Vanzandt was an all-conference selection last year at Chattanooga.

Following the Klassic, Iowa will travel to Missouri for the SEMO Invitational where they will compete against SEMO, Murray State, and Weber State later next week. These matches can be watched via ESPN+ or listened to through Hawkeye Radio Network broadcasts.