Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
2-12,0-2MVC
Northern Iowa
8-5,2-0MVC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murray St. | 13 | 10 | 9 | 0 |
| UNI | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Racers Turn Attention Home After Loss at Northern Iowa
9/26/2026 2:20:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Murray State lost the second match of its first MVC road trip in straight sets to Northern Iowa Saturday at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The Racers (2-12, 0-2 MVC) were overmatched by an experienced Northern Iowa (8-5, 2-0 MVC) team that was picked first in the MVC preseason poll and entered Saturday having won 53 consecutive regular-season conference matches dating back to the 2023 season.
The Navy and Gold ran with the Panthers early, as two Anne Makowski kills and Lily Evans' 10th service ace of the season helped tie the opening set at five. However, Northern Iowa responded with a 13-3 run to take control of the frame before eventually claiming the first set, 25-13. Makowski led Murray State's offense in the opening set with four kills while also adding a block.
The sophomore outside hitter carried her offensive production into the second set, starting the frame by combining with Evans for a block on the opening point. The Racers continued to hang around early before Northern Iowa eventually created separation, using a 10-2 run to take control of the set on its way to a 25-10 win. Makowski continued to pace the Murray State attack with three more kills in the frame, giving her seven through the first two sets.
Northern Iowa carried its momentum into the third set, jumping out to an early advantage before using an 11-0 run to put the match out of reach and close out the sweep with a 25-9 win. Makowski finished with a team-high seven kills and three block assists, while Mija Pristovnik led the Racers defensively with eight digs. Murray State also finished with five team blocks, while the Panthers hit .333 for the match.
Saturday marked the halfway point of Murray State's regular season, with the Racers having played 14 matches and 14 remaining as they now turn their attention toward their first home weekend of the season.
Murray State will return to action Friday at 6 p.m. CT for its home opener against Evansville at Racer Arena before hosting Indiana State Saturday at 5 p.m. CT.
