Jim Barnes Head Coach | University of Iowa Athletics
Jim Barnes Head Coach | University of Iowa Athletics
The University of Iowa volleyball team began the Kwik Star Klassic with a 3-0 win over Butler at Xtream Arena in Coralville on Thursday. Redshirt sophomore Alyssa Worden led the Hawkeyes, posting a career-high 11 kills and hitting .240. The victory brings Iowa to a 4-0 record for the first time since 2016.
Juniors Hannah Whittingstall and freshman Aleksandra Stojanovic contributed significantly, each hitting above .500 and recording nine and four kills, respectively. Senior Claire Ammeraal registered a double-double with 33 assists and 13 digs, while senior Milana Moisio led the defense with 15 digs.
Three freshmen—Marichka Hoshylyk, Gia McGrew, and Peyton Young—made their home debuts in the third set and each recorded their first career kills as Hawkeyes.
Head coach Jim Barnes commented on the team's performance: “This was one of those matches that was so fun to coach because of how many of our players were able to get in. Add to that that we did not drop a set. Every player that came in came ready and had kills. I love that we had three freshmen get the first kills of their career. It is evident how hard the team plays for one another and that is what is special. When we play fast and low error, we’re hard to beat. This team has the ability to do some things that haven’t been done here in awhile.”
In the opening set, Iowa overcame nine ties before pulling away from Butler to win 25-17, finishing with a .484 hitting percentage. The second set saw Iowa maintain momentum for a decisive 25-14 win, highlighted by an early lead built on four consecutive kills and two aces from Vanzandt.
The third set featured several lead changes before Iowa secured a 25-21 victory, with contributions from newcomers Hoshylyk, McGrew, and Young helping energize both crowd and bench.
Iowa will next face Illinois State on Friday evening at Xtream Arena. Illinois State lost earlier in the day to Loyola Chicago. The upcoming match will be available via streaming on B1G+ (subscription required) as well as broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.
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