Box Score

FAYETTE, Iowa. – Northern State University senior Kelsey Aden recorded a match-high 19 kills, but it wasn't enough to overcome a trio of Upper Iowa University players in double figures as the Peacocks recorded their record 16th win of the season on Saturday, downing the Wolves in a 5-set match by final set scores of 25-11, 19-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-13.

The loss, the second straight for the Wolves, dropped NSU to 11-16 on the season and 6-12 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, while the Peacocks improved to 16-15 overall and 7-10 in the loop.

The Wolves quickly found themselves down by a 1-0 count for the second straight night, but, also for the second straight match, rebounded to take the next two sets to take control of the match.  NSU pulled away from a slim 15-13 lead to take a 21-13 edge in the second set before closing out the match on a kill from junior Kayla Ysteboe and a Whitney Morsching service ace.

NSU also used a 5-0 run and a pair of 4-0 runs late in the third set.  The second and final 4-0 spurt, which featured three straight UIU attacking errors, helped the Wolves pull away from a 20-20.  UIU averted one set point with a Sara Vance kill, but NSU's Aden put down the final point to give the Wolves the 2-1 edge.

The fourth set proved to be a reversal of fortunes, as the Peacocks held off the Wolves throughout the set, pulling away from an 8-8 tie and never letting the Wolves back in front to even the match at 2-2 and forcing the fifth and final set.

UIU again pulled away from an 8-8 tie in the deciding set, forging their first match point at 14-10.  The Wolves fought off three straight match points using a pair of Jordan Schaffer kills and another Morsching service ace, but the UIU's Kayla Wagner finished off the set and match with her seventh kill of the night.

NSU's Morsching and Ysteboe combined for seven service aces for the Wolves, while Morsching was also in on six blocks.

Nicky Brown had 17 kills to lead the way offensively for the Peacocks.  Vance and Shea Meyermann added 16 apiece at the net.  The Peacocks also had five players in double figure dig totals, led by Meyermann's 19.

The Wolves return home next weekend, closing out the regular season against Minnesota State, Mankato on Friday and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday.