The Mortar Board Premier Tournament hosted by Purdue belonged to the Northern Iowa Panthers. In the tournament, the Northern Iowa volleyball team went undefeated in their first three games of the season defeating, Central Michigan, Western Kentucky and Purdue.
In the first game of the season, the Panthers didn't have any trouble with Central Michigan, defeating the Chippewas by a score of 3-0. The first two games of the match were contested closely, with UNI prevailing 25-21 and 25-23. In game three, the Panthers showed their prowess and experience, winning by a lopsided margin of 25-14. Offensively for the Panthers, Bre Payton led the way, registering eight kills. Defensively the Panther star was libero Ellie Blankenship who finished the match with 11 digs.
The Panthers continued to roll with an impressive win against Western Kentucky. The Panthers won by game scores of 25-23, 25-18 and 25-19. Michelle Burow stepped up for the Panthers against the Lady Toppers, registering 11 kills.
The final game of the tournament proved to be the first test of the season for Northern Iowa as they triumphed over Purdue in a five-set epic. Losing two out of the first three games, the Panthers rebounded to win games four and five by scores of 25-23, and 19-17. The star of the night for the Panthers was Bre Payton, who recorded a triple double. Payton finished the match with 14 kills, 41 assists, and 12 digs. Following her impressive performance against Purdue, Payton was named most valuable player of the tournament. Ellie Blankenship and Michelle Burow also earned all-tournament team honors for the Panthers.
The Northern Iowa volleyball team will look to extend their winning streak next weekend as they travel to the Diet Coke Classic in Minneapolis. The Panthers will play Dayton, Minnesota and Baylor.
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