Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa women's volleyball team was defeated by ninth-ranked Purdue in a four-set match on Saturday at Holloway Gymnasium in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Hawkeyes' record now stands at 13-13 overall and 4-10 in the Big Ten Conference.

Iowa lost the first two sets with scores of 25-22 and 25-21, but came back to win the third set 25-17. Purdue secured the match by taking the fourth set, 25-18.

Redshirt sophomore Alyssa Worden led Iowa with 13 kills and contributed nine digs. Junior Hannah Whittingstall added 11 kills with a .348 hitting percentage, while freshman Carmel Vares also recorded 11 kills. Senior Claire Ammeraal achieved her eighth double-double of the season, tallying 35 assists and 13 digs along with six kills. Senior libero Milana Moisio finished with 21 digs—her third match this season surpassing twenty. Sophomore Jaimie Marquardt posted nine digs and had a team-high three aces.

Despite the loss, Iowa had more kills (51 to Purdue's 46), more digs (65 to Purdue's 60), and more aces (8 to Purdue's 7). The eight service aces were Iowa’s highest since their October 26 win over Rutgers.

The opening set saw Iowa take an early lead before Purdue closed out with a late run for a narrow victory. In the second set, Iowa started strong but could not maintain its advantage as Purdue rallied for another close win. The Hawkeyes rebounded in the third set after overcoming an initial deficit, ultimately winning comfortably behind improved defense and attacking play. In the fourth set, Purdue established an early lead that Iowa could not overcome despite saving multiple match points late in the frame.

Iowa will next face Northwestern at home on November 13 at Xtream Arena, with first serve scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Time.