"That's a big part of why I feel one of our strengths is our defense is because we have a setter that could be a defensive specialist," Petersen said. "She's one of those kids that defends well. It's hard for a setter because their mentality is, 'I've got to get to the net.' For her to sit back and dig balls is a huge positive for us.

"One of our weaknesses earlier in the season was being able to get good hittable balls out of transition and defending. I think we've done a good job of that recently and part of that is the people that have stepped in when Kinsey digs."

Caldwell's most efficient target Saturday was middle Autumn Alitz, who matched her career high with 12 kills on .611 hitting.

Alitz landed her first eight swings for kills. She put together a string of four consecutive kills followed by a solo block as UNI rallied from behind to win 14 of the final 18 points in set one.

"It's really helpful when we have a good pass, a good set and it just clicks," Alitz said. "It's fun when we're on like that."