Iowa Volleyball: Hawkeyes Host Two Ranked Conference Teams This Week

Iowa (9-14, 3-9) continues their Big Ten season with two more home matches. First up is a visit from #21 ranked Illinois (11-10, 6-6) at 7 pm Wednesday. Then #7 Nebraska (18-3, 10-2) comes to town at 7 pm on Saturday. Such is the life in the Big Ten.

From hawkeyesports.com:

SCOUTING NO. 21 ILLINOIS

• Illinois is 11-10 on the year and 6-6 in the Big Ten.
• The Fighting Illini have won two of their last three matches.
• 2018 All American Jacqueline Quade leads Illinois with 360 kills and is second in the Big Ten with 4.24 kills per set.
• This is Illinois’ second time competing inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Fighting Illini came to Iowa City for the Big Ten/Pac-12 Challenge in September.
• Iowa trails the all-time series 59-14
• Illinois is coached by Chris Tamas, who is in his third season.

SCOUTING NO. 7 NEBRASKA

• Nebraska is 18-3 overall and 10-2 in conference.
• The Huskers face Northwestern in a midweek matchup before traveling to Iowa City for Saturday’s match.
• Nebraska has three players - Lexi Sun, Jazz Sweet, and Lauren Stivrins - who have more than 200 kills on the season.
• Defensively, Nebraska has limited opponents to a Big-Ten leading .142 hitting percentage.
• Iowa trails the all-time series 30-0.
• Nebraska is coached by John Cook, who is in his 19th season.

Last weekend Iowa lost at home to both Purdue on Friday and then to Rutgers on Saturday. The loss to Rutgers was certainly not what anyone had expected. Unfortunately Iowa lost it’s leading hitter, Meghan Buzzerio earlier in the season and is currently without setter and captain, Brie Orr due to injury. This has forced Iowa to use their current leading hitter, Courtney Buzzerio in the setting role. All teams face injury and adversity, but the current Iowa roster isn’t deep enough to deal with these hits.

With only eight matches left on the season, Iowa will face five teams that are currently ranked in the top 25.

Stat Stuffers

Junior OH Griere Hughes took over the team lead with 247 kills on 591 total attempts (.254 hitting percentage). Sophomore OH Courtney Buzzerio took over the setting duties but is still second with 237 kills on 607 attempts (.244 hitting percentage).

Junior DS Halle Johnston is leading the team with 407 digs.

Sophomore MB Hannah Clayton has 62 blocks to lead the squad.

Freshman OH Kyndra Hansen and freshman MB Blythe Rients, both from Minnesota, have seen a lot more playing time as the season has progressed and are stepping up for the Hawkeyes.

Upcoming Schedule

Wednesday, November 6: Iowa vs. Illinois at 7 pm

Saturday, November 9: Iowa vs. Nebraska at 7 pm

• Following the conclusion of each match, the Hawkeyes will sign autographs for fans on the court.

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

• Live stats for each contest are linked on the team’s schedule page or on www.hawkeyesports.com/vblive.
• A live stream of this weekend’s matches are available on BTN+ or FloVolleyball (subscriptions required).
• Live audio of this weekend’s matches are available on Hawkeye All-Access ($) with John Evans on the call.