It was another close call for Iowa volleyball that ultimately ended in defeat. Although the Hawkeyes were swept Wednesday night, the score card was deceiving. The Hawkeyes lost by a combined seven points over three sets.

The latest close loss for Iowa continues a theme from the season. The Hawkeyes are 0-3 in five-set matches and are often on the wrong side of short sets.

The first set was a back and forth slog between the two sides, with the two teams trading leads. The Hawkeyes were forced to play catch up at 13-9, but a Kyndra Hansen kill and two blocks kept the set neck and neck. Ohio State managed to get back up by three at 22-19, and the lead would be enough as the Buckeyes finished out the set after an Iowa timeout 25-22.

The second set was as close as the first, with the Buckeyes getting out to a 13-10 lead in what would be one of the largest leads of the set. A crucial point swung in Iowa’s favor after a review overturned a net violation by Courtney Buzzerio. Ohio State yet again finished out the set, closing out the first set point to extend the match lead going into the break.

Iowa jumped out to a third-set lead after a mirage of errors from the Buckeyes. Ohio State slowly worked its way back into the match, eventually taking a 19-16 lead. Blythe Rients worked the Hawkeyes back into the match with two spikes, before the Buckeyes would pull away on their second match point to win the set 26-24 and finish the sweep.

Iowa was outgained significantly in the kill department, with the Buckeyes notching 50 kills to Iowa’s 40. Despite being more aggressive than the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes recorded a .267 hitting percentage compared to Iowa’s measly .218.

The Hawkeyes return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to face Indiana Sunday at 3 p.m. looking to snap a six-game losing streak.