Council Bluffs, IA

The 3rd ranked Iowa Western Volleyball team started their season off in thrilling fashion on Friday playing tournament host to Eastern Wyoming and Western Nebraska. The Reivers looked sharp in match one versus Eastern Wyoming downing the Lancers in straight sets (25-4, 25-7, 25-16). Caitlyn Cooper hit .435 and finished with a match high 13 kills while Irina Alekseeva finished with seven kills. Hina Pua'a was brilliant from her setter position as the freshman, playing in her first collegiate match tallied 23 assists and tied for the team lead in service aces with Cooper.

In the night cap, Western Nebraska came out swinging taking a commanding two set lead (25-14, 25-14) before Iowa Western knew what hit them. The Reivers were resilient however picking up the next three sets (25-15, 25-20, 15-12) before a raucous crowd to win the match 3-2.

Once again, Cooper and Alekseeva led the way offensively with 14 and 12 kills respectively. Makayla Doyle picked up double digit kills with 10. Defensively, the Reivers were spectacular as sophomore libero, Emi Pua'a tallied 24 digs followed by Cooper with 17 and Savannah Downing with 12.

On Saturday, the Reivers took on Jefferson College out of Missouri and Hillsborough out of Florida.

The Reivers held Jefferson College to a .153 hitting percentage for the three sets while they hit a blistering .409. Freshman Morgan Bossler had a team high seven kills while hitting .778 to lead the Reivers to a three set win (25-16, 25-17, 25-12).

Iowa Western continued it's dominating play against Hillsborough holding the Hawks to a -.037 attack percentage and winning the match 25-14, 25,13, 25-5.

Next up for Iowa Western is a scheduled trip to Houston for five matches including a showdown with 2nd ranked Panola out of Texas. Travel plans are pending due to Hurricane Harvey. More information will be made available later in the week.