SCOUTING THIS WEEKEND'S OPPONENT
Bradley is 8-21 overall, 5-12 in the Missouri Valley Conference and stands in eighth place overall in the league standings. Kelly Niemeyer and Amber DeBroux lead the team offensively, averaging 3.58 and 3.56 kills per game, respectively. The Braves have won two of their last three matches, with wins over Drake and Indiana State. UNI holds a 41-9 lead in the all-time series with Bradley, including a 3-0 win earlier this season in Peoria, Ill. The Panthers are 16-1 against the Braves in matches played in Cedar Falls.

RADIO INFORMATION
For the fourth straight season, Panther volleyball can be heard on the airwaves in northeast Iowa. A total of 14 regular season matches, including this Saturday's match with Bradley, will be carried live on KWLO 1330-AM (Star 1330), with Eric Braley handling play-by-play duties. Star 1330 will also carry all of the Panthers' matches from the State Farm MVC Tournament, to be hosted by Illinois State Nov. 24-25. Head coach Bobbi Petersen's weekly radio show can be heard each Monday at 6:00 p.m. on Star 1330.

NOTING THE PANTHERS
Stephanie May went over the 1,500 mark for career digs against Illinois State Nov. 12. May ended the match with 1,505 digs, which ranks her first at UNI all-time and sixth on the MVC career list ... May is eighth on UNI's all-time games played list with 459 and tied for ninth on the all-time matches played list with 129 ... Danielle Brazda stands third on UNI's career block assists list with 485, and needs just five more to pass Shari Vermeer (489, 2001-04) for the number two spot all time at UNI ... that would also move her into third place on the Missouri Valley Conference's all-time block assists list ... the number two spot is held by Missouri State's Mindy Struckhoff (527, 1985-88) and the all-time leader is UNI's Molly O'Brien (653, 2000-03) ... UNI's 24 wins are the school's most since the 2003 team went 28-6 ... the Panthers have finished either first or second in the MVC regular season standings nine of the last 10 years ... UNI has hit .300 or better as a team in five of its last seven matches ... the Panthers 74 kills against Illinois State were its second most in a match this season ... UNI has held three of its last five opponents to less than .100 hitting as a team ... the 28 kills by Indiana State Nov. 10 was the second-fewest by a UNI opponent this season ... Stephanie May has had double figures in digs in 10 straight matches and 26 of 31 matches this season overall ... May had 22 digs against Illinois State Nov. 12, the seventh time she has had at least 20 ... Kristin Belzung had 58 assists against Illinois State, sixth time this season she has had 50 or more assists ... it was the most assists Belzung has had in a four-game match this year ... Ashten Stelken had a career-high 16 kills against Illinois State Nov. 12.

MCLEOD CENTER OPENS
This Saturday, UNI christens the McLeod Center, hosting Bradley in the first event in the Panthers new on-campus home. The 7,018-seat facility, connected to the south end of the UNI-Dome, cost $26 million and took more than two years to build. The match Saturday night is the first of four straight days of UNI athletic events at McLeod: Nov. 19, men's basketball vs. UW-Milwaukee (4:05 p.m.); Nov. 20, women's basketball vs. Iowa State (7:05 p.m.); and Nov. 21, wrestling vs. Iowa (7:05 p.m.)

FAREWELL TO THE WEST GYM
The Panthers ended their 27-year run at the West Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 7 against Western Illinois. UNI finished with a record of 284-37 at the venerable building, including 188-12 since 1990. UNI was also 120-8 at home against Missouri Valley Conference foes since the league began sponsoring women's athletics in 1992. The Panthers also have posted two of the 10 longest home court winning streaks in NCAA history, with a 74-match streak (1997-2004) that is second longest, and a 50-match string earlier in the `90s. Including several years playing at the East Gym in the `70s, UNI has an all-time home volleyball record of 308-44.

UNI SIGNS TWO FOR 2007
The University of Northern Iowa volleyball team signed two players to national letters of intent, UNI head coach Bobbi Petersen announced Nov. 8. Inking to play with the Panthers starting in 2007 were middle blocker Michelle Burow (Lincoln, Neb./Norris High School) and defensive specialist Chelsea Saunders (Highland, Texas/Edward S. Marcus High School).
   "We are extremely excited about the two student-athletes that we are signing," Petersen said. "Chelsea and Michelle are both incredible athletes and have a high commitment to academics. Both have had successful high school seasons and are involved in high level club programs, giving them invaluable experience. We are thrilled to have each of them and their families become part of the UNI volleyball family."
   The 6-1 Burow is a two-time first team all-conference pick. She earned honorable mention all-state honors as a sophomore and was a second-team all-state pick as a junior. For her senior season of 2006, she averaged 4.6 kills and 3.3 digs per game, with an attack percentage of .384. Burow is also an outstanding student, earning academic all-conference honors, and is a member of the Nebraska Juniors volleyball club out of Lincoln, Neb.
   "Michelle is a very athletic middle," Petersen said. "Her strengths are definitely her speed and quickness. She moves easily along the net and in transition which allows her to close the block and be a fast tempo option on offense. She also is a good jumper and has good vision as an attacker. We also feel Michelle will be someone that could play all the way around for us, as she has strong back court skills as well."
   The 5-11 Saunders was named the Texas 6-5A defensive player of the year this season, averaging 4.5 digs per game. The Marauders finished as 2006 district champion and were area runner-up. A three-year letterwinner, Saunders was also named Texas Advantage volleyball club's best all-around player in both 2005 and 2006. Texas Advantage finished 11th in the USA junior volleyball championships last year. Saunders becomes UNI's first-ever volleyball signee from the state of Texas.
   "Chelsea comes from one of the top volleyball clubs in the country," Petersen said. "She is a well rounded player, hitting for her high school team and playing libero for her club team. We are excited about her abilities on defense and serve receive and know she will be an awesome addition to our back court. Chelsea reads well on defense and can make high level moves when defending. She seems to understand her platform which will be a great asset for her. She works very hard and loves to compete."

20 WINS AGAIN
With the win Nov. 3 over Drake, UNI has won 20 or more matches nine straight seasons, and 20 of the last 22 years overall. Including this year, the Panthers have finished first or second in the MVC nine of the last 10 seasons. If UNI can defeat Bradley, it would mark the 17th time in the 25 years UNI has been a member of the Gateway/Missouri Valley Conference that it has lost two or less games during conference play in a season.

BRING OUT THE BROOM
Of the Panthers' 24 wins this season, 16 of them have been by 3-0 counts. Thirteen of UNI's last 16 wins have been sweeps, with ten of them being Missouri Valley Conference victories.

FIFTH-GAME SUCCESS
After their 3-2 win over Creighton Oct. 6, the Panthers are 5-1 this year in five-game matches. UNI has been outstanding in five gamers since 1997, with a record of 29-7 in matches that have been extended to the limit. Even more impressively, including the victory over then 23rd-ranked Notre Dame on Sept. 9, the Panthers recent record against ranked opponents in five-game matches is even better -- UNI has won seven straight five gamers against top 25 teams dating back to the 2001 season.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT
On Sept. 9, UNI fell into an 0-2 hole against Alabama, but came back to win the match 3-2 (32-34, 27-30, 30-13, 30-24 and 15-11). That marked the first time the Panthers had trailed a match 0-2 and rallied to win since Dec. 7, 2002. That day, in the second round of the NCAA tournament at the West Gym, the Panthers toppled then 20th-ranked Missouri (25-30, 22-30, 30-27, 30-27, 15-10). UNI did the trick again Sept. 23 against Missouri State, falling down 0-2 before rallying to win in five (26-30, 25-30, 30-16, 30-22, 15-13).

BEAT THE BEST
Yet again this season, UNI put together a very challenging non-conference schedule, and the Panthers once again held their own. With its 3-2 win over then No. 23 Notre Dame Sept. 9, UNI has now defeated at least one ranked opponent five of the last six seasons.

ONE-TWO PUNCH
Junior Danielle Brazda and senior Trista Humpal rank first and second, respectively, in the Missouri Valley Conference in blocking. Brazda is tops in the league and is 12th nationally at 1.62 blocks per game, while Humpal is second in the conference at 1.43 blocks per contest. Both Brazda (3rd, 485) and Humpal (8th, 362) rank in UNI's all-time top ten in block assists. At her current pace, Brazda is on track to challenge former all-American Molly O'Brien's school and Missouri Valley Conference record of 653 block assists.

DOUBLE TIME
Junior outside hitter Laura Rowen posted her ninth double-double of the year against Southern Illinois Oct. 27, with 11 kills and 15 digs. Rowen has posted 10 or more kills 21 times this season. She ranks sixth in the league with 3.62 kills per game, and averages 2.99 digs per game.

DIG IT
Senior co-captain Stephanie May ranks ninth in the conference, averaging 4.07 digs per game. May, who has recorded double figures in digs in 26 of 31 matches this season, is UNI's career leader in digs with 1,505.

ACES HIGH
Kristin Belzung and Laura Rowen are third and fourth, respectively, in the MVC in service aces. Belzung averages 0.41 per game, while Rowen is right behind at 0.38 per game. Belzung had a season-best five aces at Georgia Tech Sept. 2, while Rowen has recorded a season high four aces three times this season.

PANTHERS 22nd IN NATION IN ATTENDANCE
In recent seasons, UNI volleyball has annually ranked among the nation's leaders in attendance, and once again this year the Panthers are in the nation's top 25. Through 13 dates, UNI is 22nd in the country, averaging 1,414 fans per home match. UNI had three sellouts this season at the West Gym (capacity 2,052).

SUDDEN IMPACT
Freshman outside hitter Shannon Aschoff played a key role in UNI's 3-2 wins over Alabama and #23 Notre Dame on Sept. 9 in the UNI Invitational. She came off the bench to record seven kills and a career-best eight blocks against the Crimson Tide, and then made her first career start against the Fighting Irish later that night, recording nine kills with six blocks.

SEEING 20/20
Outside hitter Laura Rowen had 23 kills and 23 digs against Clemson Aug. 26, becoming just the ninth UNI player ever to have 20 or more kills and digs in the same match. Alex Auker was the last Panther to do it, against Iowa on 9/29/00 (21k, 21d).

TRIPLE THREAT
Setter Kristin Belzung had her first career triple-double against Clemson Aug. 26. The junior from Ankeny, Iowa, had 11 kills, 64 assists and 20 digs versus the Tigers, becoming the first Panther to record a triple-double since former all-American Molly O'Brien (10k, 11d, 15b) did it against Wichita State on 11/25/03 in the semifinals of the 2003 State Farm MVC Tournament. Belzung is just the 12th player in UNI history to record a triple-double.

VOTE FOR THE ALL-TIME MVC VOLLEYBALL TEAM
This year is the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Missouri Valley Conference, and as a part of the Valley's Centennial Celebration, fans will have the opportunity to help select all-time teams in each of the league's sports. Fans can go to the website www.mvc100.org, and cast their votes. The all-time MVC volleyball team will be announced at the 2006 State Farm MVC Volleyball Championship Nov. 24-25.

ROWEN NAMED MVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOV. 6
Junior outside hitter Laura Rowen was named the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference player of the week Nov. 6. Rowen averaged 5.33 kills, 2.83 digs and 6.17 points per game in a pair of UNI sweeps of Drake and Creighton. Rowen had 17 kills and eight digs Nov. 3 against the Bulldogs, while hitting .577 (16-2-26). The next night versus the Bluejays, Rowen had 15 kills, nine digs and four blocks. Over the two matches, Rowen hit .387 (32-8-62).

HUMPAL NAMED MVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK OCT. 30
Senior middle blocker Trista Humpal was named the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference player of the week Oct. 30. Humpal averaged 3.67 kills, 1.67 blocks, 1.33 digs and 5.08 points per game, helping UNI post a pair of 3-0 road wins, at Southern Illinois and Evansville. Humpal had 11 kills and hit .533 (11-3-15) in the Panthers' sweep of SIU, and then 11 kills and seven blocks with a .421 hitting percentage (11-3-19) in the 3-0 win over UE. Humpal hit .471 (22-6-34) over the two matches, while helped propel UNI into sole possession of first place in the conference.

ASCHOFF NAMED MVC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK OCT. 2
Freshman outside hitter Shannon Aschoff was named the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week Oct. 2. The 6-2 Aschoff had a career-high 10 kills and hit .500 (10-1-18) against Evansville Sept. 29, playing just two of the three games. She followed that up with a seven kill effort the next night versus Southern Illinois. A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Aschoff averaged 3.40 kills per game and hit .400 (17-3-35).

ROWEN NAMED MVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK SEPT. 11
Junior outside Laura Rowen was named State Farm Missouri Valley Conference player of the week Sept. 11, after averaging 4.07 kills and 2.29 digs per game. The Panthers went 2-1, taking down #23 Notre Dame and Alabama, while falling to Kansas State. Rowen had a career-high 26 kills against Crimson Tide, posting a .387 attack percentage (26-2-62) from her outside hitter position. She had double-doubles with 26 kills and 12 digs against the Crimson Tide, and 19 kills and 12 digs versus the Fighting Irish.

ROWEN, MAY EARN UNI INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNEY HONORS
Laura Rowen and Stephanie May were the Panthers' representatives on the UNI Invitational all-tournament team, held Sept. 8-9. Rowen averaged 4.07 kills and 2.29 digs per game over the three matches, including a career-best 26 kills versus Alabama. For the weekend, May averaged 4.57 digs per contest, with a season-high 26 digs against the Crimson Tide.

BELZUNG, BRAZDA NAMED TO GEORGIA TECH ALL-TOURNEY TEAM
Kristin Belzung and Danielle Brazda were UNI's two representatives on the Regency Suites Midtown Invitational, hosted by Georgia Tech Sept. 1-2. Belzung averaged 11.79 assists and 2.43 digs per game, while hitting .538 (15-1-26) with 11 service aces. Brazda hit a whopping .418 (46-13-79) over the four matches, while averaging 3.29 kills and 1.86 blocks per game.

BELZUNG, HUMPAL EARN PURDUE ALL-TOURNAMENT HONORS
Junior setter Kristin Belzung and senior middle blocker Trista Humpal were each named to the Purdue Mortar Board Classic All-Tournament team, held Aug. 25-26. Belzung averaged 12.08 assists, 2.83 digs and 1.83 kills per game, while posting a hitting percentage of .528 (22-3-36). She had a triple double against Clemson, with 11 kills, 64 assists and 20 digs. Humpal averaged 2.50 kills and 1.42 blocks per game over the three matches, while hitting .397 (30-7-58). She had 12 kills against Clemson and 11 versus Albany.

PANTHERS RECRUITING CLASS RANKED 22nd NATIONALLY
UNI's five-player recruiting class of outside hitter Shannon Aschoff (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny), setter Jessa Benson (Spring Green, Wis./River Valley), outside hitter Beth Discher (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes), outside hitter/middle blocker Kali Karsten (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls) and middle blocker Sarah Oexmann (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) was ranked as the 22nd-best newcomer group in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost Oexmann to a knee injury during preseason workouts which will sideline her for the year.

UNI PICKED TO WIN MVC; BRAZDA PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE
UNI was picked to win the 2006 Missouri Valley Conference title, in the preseason poll of league head coaches. The Panthers received eight of 10 possible first-place votes and 96 total points. Missouri State had one first place vote and 87 points for second, and defending champion Wichita State was third with the other first place vote and 77 total points. Creighton was fourth, Illinois State was picked fifth and Southern Illinois was sixth. Bradley, Evansville, Drake and Indiana State rounded out the poll. In addition, Panthers junior middle blocker Danielle Brazda was a 2006 preseason all-conference choice, after earning second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors in 2005.

PANTHER VOLLEYBALL: A WINNING TRADITION
University of Northern Iowa volleyball has posted a record of 795-273-22 in its 32 year history, with 11 conference championships and 14 postseason appearances. In addition, since the NCAA began sponsoring women's volleyball in the 1981 season, UNI is one of just seven schools to have never posted a losing campaign. The other six are Hawai'i, Nebraska, Pacific, Penn State, Stanford and UCLA.

PRESS LUNCHEON
UNI head volleyball coach Bobbi Petersen will appear at the Panthers' weekly press luncheon, each Monday at Noon at Pepper's on 18th Street in Cedar Falls. All of UNI's in-season coaches will be in attendance each week to comment on last week's play and preview upcoming action.