The Iowa volleyball team took on Michigan Friday evening at Xtream Arena in Coralville, ultimately getting swept across three sets of play.

Second-year Hannah Whittingstall led the offense in kills with seven, followed by fourth-years Michelle Urquhart and Gracie Gibson with six and five, respectively. Fifth-year Joy Galles led defensively with 12 digs against the Wolverines.

The first set established the rapid tempo of the entire match. Both teams grappled for every point, resulting in a tie game at multiple early intervals. Michigan won the race to 10 points, subsequently taking a 12-9 lead over the Hawkeyes. While Iowa managed to keep putting points on the board, the Wolverines grew to a commanding 24-16 lead, ending the match’s debut with a kill to take the first set, 25-16.

While the Hawkeyes scored first and played a much closer game overall, Michigan pulled away to start the second set, jumping out to a quick 8-5 lead. The Wolverines again won the race to 10, holding a four-point lead at 10-6 and later at 14-10. Like the first set, Iowa kept itself alive and on the board, thanks in part to the efforts of the versatile setter Claire Ammeraal. In the end, however, Michigan, leading 24-20, capitalized on one last kill to take the second set, 25-20.

The Wolverines closed out the match with a hard-fought win in the third set. While the Hawkeyes kept close to Michigan throughout the set, the Wolverines again won the race to 10, establishing a secure 14-9 lead. Iowa battled for every point and closed the gap to 17-14 in the back half of the set. But unlike the first two sets, there were no lead changes in the third. Michigan ultimately took the third set, 25-18.

Up next

The Hawkeyes remain at home in Coralville and anticipate Big Ten foe Illinois on Sunday. The game, starting at 2 p.m., is scheduled for coverage from Big Ten Plus and the Hawkeye Radio Network.