The SIUC volleyball teams reign at first place in the Missouri Valley Conference is over after suffering weekend losses to the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University.

The Salukis, now 6-2 in the MVC, fell to the University of Northern Iowa in three games, 15-10, 15-9 and 15-6 in Cedar Falls Friday. The win allows UNI to take over sole possession of first place in league action at 6-0.

Northern Iowa’s Kate Galer, last week’s MVC Player of the Week, helped pace the Panther attack with 21 kills. UNI had a total of 50 kills and a .282 attack percentage compared to SIUC’s .067.

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Senior outside hitter Beth Diehl led the Salukis with 10 kills in the match. Diehl also led SIUC with 16 digs.

Despite a losing effort, senior setter Kim Golebiewski broke into SIUC’s top-10 list in career digs. Golebiewski had eight digs against UNI and four against Drake. Golebiewski is also one of only four spikers in school history to record more than 2000 assists.

The Salukis have now dropped 10 straight to the Panthers in Cedar Falls. The Salukis will face the Panthers at home on Friday, October 27. Drake will also come to town on October 28.

SIUC fell victim to Drake in three games 15-7, 15-7 and 15-5 on Saturday. The win over SIUC puts Drake in second place in league action. Drake cost SIUC a berth in last seasons MVC tournament with a win in Davies Gymnasium.

The spikers return home this weekend when they face conference rivals Illinois State on Friday and Bradley Saturday.

SIUC coach Sonya Locke could not be reached for comment.