MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota volleyball team totaled 50 kills en route to a 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-20, 25-14) over the Iowa Hawkeyes Friday at Maturi Pavilion.
“We got contributions from all over the court tonight,” said head coach Keegan Cook. “We had contributions from all three middles tonight, which was fun to see. Zeynep helped us out in serve receive and defensively, creating some better situations for us. The work has been showing up.”
The conference victory improved Minnesota’s record to 14-11 overall and 10-7 in Big Ten play. The Gophers notched their ninth consecutive season with 10+ Big Ten wins Friday night.
The Golden Gophers offense was paced by Taylor Landfair, who finished with 13 kills while Mckenna Wucherer added 11 and Lydia Grote chipped in with 10. Defensively, the Gophers had two players reach double figures in digs as Zeynep Palabiyik had a career-high 11 and Kylie Murr had 10.
As a team, Minnesota hit .318 with 50 kills, 46 digs, eight blocks and four aces. Iowa hit .101 with 23 kills, 32 digs, seven blocks and six aces.
Caitlan Buettner led the Hawkeyes (8-21, 0-17 Big Ten) with seven kills.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Golden Gophers took the first set 25-19, powered by a strong showing on the attacking side. Minnesota put together a .342 attack percentage with 18 kills in the set victory. The Golden Gophers ended on a strong note, stretching their lead to its largest point in the set to finish out the frame.
SET 2 | After their win in the first set, Minnesota put themselves on the cusp of a sweep with a 25-20 victory in set number two. The Golden Gophers earned the victory thanks to a solid performance on the attacking end. Minnesota put together a .375 attack percentage with 18 kills in the set win.
SET 3 | Minnesota took the third set to sweep the match. The Golden Gophers led from the opening point-on in the set to secure a 25-14 victory. Minnesota claimed its biggest lead, 11 points, to finish off the set. Minnesota’s front row had a solid defensive performance, blocking four Iowa attacks.
Game Notes
» The Gophers have won 48 straight over Iowa, dating back to 1995.
» Minnesota has won eight of its last 11 games overall.
» Minnesota had three players in double figures in kills.
» Melani Shaffmaster had a team-high two aces in the win.
» Minnesota never trailed on the way to winning the third set, 25-14.
» Taylor Landfair had a match-high 13 kills for Minnesota.
» Minnesota got a career-high 11 digs from Zeynep Palabiyik.
» Minnesota attackers were helped by a match-high 38 assists from Melani Shaffmaster, who also had seven digs and two blocks.
Game Notes
Minnesota (14-11, 10-7 Big Ten) hosts Ohio State (10-16, 7-10 Big Ten) tomorrow at 7 p.m. on BTN.