CEDAR FALLS – The UNI Panthers might just be more Iowan than Iowa State, at least when it comes to volleyball.

Twelve of Northern Iowa’s 17 players come from the state of Iowa, compared to just six of 14 for the Cyclones.

That edge didn’t result in a victory for the Panthers, as Iowa State won, 3-0, Wednesday night in Cedar Falls. But success that Northern Iowa has enjoyed in recent years with a largely Iowa-bred lineup may result in a greater in-state recruiting battle.

Northern Iowa has made the NCAA Tournament seven times in the last 10 years – 12 times since 1986.

“I am so impressed with what they have done with their program, especially with local talent,” said ISU coach Christy Johnson. “A lot of our programs go fishing everywhere around the country, but they have done so much not having to much further than two hours away.”

UNI coach Bobbi Petersen has noticed the effect of having local talent.

“We always have fans here supporting us because they can come because they are close,” Petersen said. “I always say our local talent needs to stay here because you are going to be supported so much by the community.”

Building that relationship with the fans is something Johnson is trying to do at Iowa State. After bringing in only one player from Iowa in her first recruiting class, this year’s group features three homegrown players.

After having “free reign” on Iowa players for a number of years, the improvement of the Iowa high school programs has brought Iowa and Iowa State around.

Players who used to be a guaranteed commit for Northern Iowa are now looking around the state before making a decision.

“Iowa and Iowa State are both going after Iowa kids now,” Petersen said. “But we want those kids from Iowa. That is definitely a number one focus.”

Johnson said she wants to get the best players from the state of Iowa every year if she can, but putting an emphasis on in-state talent isn’t something she is willing to do at the expense of the team.

“If things are equal, I’m going to take the kid from Iowa,” Johnson said. “But I always have to go and try to get the best players for our program, regardless of where they are from. For the players, having the chance to play in their home state with a home-court advantage is a huge draw.”

Cyclone senior Lauren Cummings, of Ankeny, originally signed with Northwest Missouri State. After two years there, Cummings transferred to Iowa State.

She said she is happy with her decision.

“I love playing for Iowa State,” Cummings said. “I’m really happy that I came back.”

Come game time, having Iowa players like Cummings on the court can bring out the best from the fans.

“If you have a team full of Iowans, I think people cheer a little louder for them,” Johnson said. “It’s the hometown hero thing.”