The Iowa State women will take a break from Big 12 action tonight as they host the University of Northern Iowa Panthers.

Northern Iowa comes into tonight’s game with a nine consecutive game win streak, an overall record of 14-4, and a Missouri Conference record of 7-0. The break comes at a good time for the Cyclones as their record stands at 2-13 overall and 0-8 in the Big 12.

“I’m always pleased to see us keep the in-state rivalry going with Drake, UNI, and hopefully bring the University of Iowa back into this, said ISU Head Coach Linda Grensing.”

Iowa State will be on the lookout for some of the Panther talents. Leading the way for the Panthers are Molly O’Brien, Kim McCaffrey, Alexandra Auker and Kim Kester.

O’Brien, a freshmen middle blocker, was one of the most highly recruited players in the nation. She is ranked second in the state with a .521 hitting percentage and seventh in kills with an average of 4.67. McCaffrey was named first team all conference, ranked sixth in the league in hitting percentage of .260, and tenth in kill average of 3.69. Kester leads the team with an attack percentage of .346.

The matchup between the Panthers and Cyclones is almost even. “I think the difference between UNI last year to this year is they have less experience with their setter and middle blockers,” Grensing said, “They do though have very experienced outside hitters.”

One of the experienced outside hitters for the Panthers is Alexandra Auker. Auker was named first team all-conference, ranked 11th in the Valley with a hitting percentage of .232, kill average of 3.46, fifth in digs with 3.48. Auker is also the ninth player in school history to record 1000 career kills.

The Panthers lead the Missouri Valley conference and have dominated numerous teams this season. Northern Iowa’s consecutive streak includes wins from teams like Creighton, Iowa, Drake, and Southwest Missouri State. There is a difference in the conferences though.

“The Big 12 have top 20 teams in it,” said Grensing, “UNI can compete against any them and I have a great deal of respect for the tradition in their volleyball program.”