CORALVILLE, Iowa – University of Iowa volleyball opened the Kwik Star Klassic with a five-set victory over South Dakota on Thursday night at Xtream Arena.

The Hawkeyes are 6-4 on the season and 2-0 in five-set matches.

Freshman Dominique Phills had a career night with 18 kills to lead the Hawkeyes. Phills’ previous personal best was 12. Senior Gracie Gibson was efficient on the attack, converting on 10 of her 19 swings (.474). Seniors Joy Galles and Michelle Urquhart recorded 16 and 13 digs, respectively, for the Hawkeye defense. Sophomore Hannah Whittingstall was strong at the net, matching her career high with seven blocks.

As a team, Iowa assisted on 51-of-55 kills. Freshman Jenna Meitzler set up 42 Hawkeye kills in the tournament opener. Iowa hit .198, while holding South Dakota to .165.

HEAR FROM COACH BARNES
“I’m proud of the way we prepared this week. With our freshman setter (Meitzler) stepping up, we tailored everything to her this week, gave her some confidence and the team has rallied around that. I am also proud of Dominique (Phills). She had a great match and really helped us win that fifth set. When we went up 2-0, we knew there was a lot of game left. Credit to South Dakota for fighting back. We’ll certainly take the win against a very good team like that.”