FAYETTE, IA – For the second game in a row Natalia Cruz averaged almost five digs per set to highlight the University of Mary volleyball teams' efforts against nationally ranked foe, Upper Iowa. The #21 Peacocks were able to sweep the Marauders in three sets, hitting at a .384 clip on the match including .425 in the final set.
With the loss the Marauders fall to 1-21 on the season and 0-13 in NSIC play. #21 Upper Iowa improves to 15-6 and 7-6 in the conference.
PIVOT POINT
The Peacocks started off fast, running off 4-0 runs three separate times to claim set one. With the Marauders looking to even the score in the second set, UIU jumped out to an 8-0 lead as part of a 24-5 run to start to second set. The Peacocks would claim the second set 25-8. UMary, determined not to go down without a fight only trailed 21-18 late in the third set. UIU then strung together four straight points to claim the set and the match.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Natalia Cruz posted 14 digs
Morgan Schnabel posted six kills and nine digs
Anna Nietfeld had four kills and five digs
Sydney Murphy recorded 13 assists, six digs, and two kills hitting .400
Nehkyah Ellis had four kills
Katja Berge had four kills
STAT OF THE GAME
Natalia Cruz continues to boost her season average in digs/set. For the second match in a row, the Marauders libero recorded 14 digs in a three set match, averaging 4.67 digs/set. Cruz has reached double-digit in digs in 16 matches this season. She is currently just three digs shy of 300 on the season, sitting at 297. Additionally, she surpassed the 700 career digs mark this weekend, setting her sights on 1,000.
SCOREBOARD
Set one: UIU 25-10
Set two: UIU 25-8
Set three: UIU 25-18
UP NEXT
The Marauders host a big rivalry matchup in the McDowell Activity Center when they welcome Minot State to town for a Halloween day match. UMary and Minot State face off on Thursday, October 31 at 6 PM. It will be a Halloween themed match so come dressed in your favorite costumes to cheer on the Marauders.
#Marauders#
