Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa women's volleyball team lost in straight sets to Washington on Saturday night at Alaska Airlines Arena. The defeat leaves the Hawkeyes with a 10-6 overall record and 1-3 in conference play.

Graduate student Chard’e Vanzandt led Iowa with seven kills and two service aces. Senior Claire Ammeraal contributed 19 assists, seven digs, and three kills. Freshman Peyton Young, making her first career start for the Hawkeyes, recorded three kills, hit a team-high .200, and had one solo block. Redshirt freshman Hallie Steponaitis added six kills and one solo block in her second start.

In the opening set, Washington took an early lead before Iowa responded to tie the score several times. Despite efforts from Young, Steponaitis, and Vanzandt to keep the set close, Washington capitalized on Iowa errors and maintained control. After a brief rally by Iowa late in the set, Washington secured a 25-19 win.

The second set saw Iowa take its first lead after a Washington error and an ace from senior libero Milana Moisio. However, Washington answered with scoring runs that forced two Iowa timeouts. Although Vanzandt and Steponaitis tried to spark a comeback, the Huskies closed out the set 25-14 while holding Iowa to a .056 hitting percentage.

In the third set, freshmen Makenna Rumple and Gia McGrew along with sophomore Jenna Meitzler entered for Iowa as they attempted to shift momentum. After tying early in the set, Washington went on a decisive scoring run that put them ahead for good. Despite contributions from Vanzandt and Worden late in the match, Washington finished with a 25-11 victory.

Iowa will continue its road trip next week with matches against Michigan State on Friday in East Lansing at 6:30 p.m. CDT and Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor at 6:00 p.m. Both matches will be available via B1G+ streaming service and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

"Iowa continues its road trip, traveling to Michigan State and Michigan," according to university officials.

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