DES MOINES, Iowa – The University of Iowa volleyball team opened its spring scrimmage season with two wins on Saturday, knocking off Drake and Wayne State.

“This was a really nice start to our spring scrimmages,” head coach Jim Barnes said. “We demonstrated great teamwork and tenacity. We had kills from every player and I was impressed with our offensive performance.”

Newcomer Claire Ammeraal led the Iowa offense with 84 assists and 11 kills. Redshirt freshman Alyssa Warden registered a team-high 17 kills, whileGabby Deery and Nataly Moravec notched 13 and 12, respectively.

“Claire showed that she is a game-changing setter,” Barnes added. “She can set, attack and block. She also features a jump serve that produces aces. Claire disrupts the opponent blocks.”

Arizona transfer Joy Galles led the team in digs and passed well for the Hawkeyes. Defensively, Anna Davis paced the team in blocks. Davis also had a strong hit percentage of .345.

“Joy led our team on defense and in serve receive,” said Barnes. “Her veteran leadership combined with the leadership from Anna, Claire and MichelleUrquhart has improved our team quickly.”

The Hawkeyes continue their spring schedule with a scrimmage in Ames, Iowa, on March 30.