CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - Despite the efforts of junior middle blocker Kari Staehlin, the Illinois State volleyball team couldn't match high-flying Northern Iowa Saturday at West Gym.

The Missouri Valley Conference-leading Panthers rolled to a 30-25, 30-24, 30-24 sweep to send the Redbirds to their ninth consecutive loss at Northern Iowa.

Staehlin had eight kills, nine digs and six blocks for the Redbirds, who dropped to 9-10 overall and 4-5 in the Valley. Northern Iowa improved to 16-6 and 8-1.

Laura Rowen had 12 kills to lead a balanced Northern Iowa attack as the Panthers hit .221 overall. The ninth-ranked blocking team in the country also collected seven blocks.

Lindley McDavid led ISU with nine kills.

"I thought we had an opportunity to win game three, and if that game goes our way, you never know what can happen in game four," said ISU coach Sharon Dingman. "But we shot ourselves in the foot with four service errors, and that is tough to overcome.

"I didn't think our backcourt played as well as they are capable of doing tonight. We just have to learn how to play at a high level consistency every night. We are definitely going to get there."

ISU never led in game one, as Northern Iowa built an early commanding lead. Northern Iowa recorded a game-clinching 9-0 run midway through game two to open a 12-6 lead it never relinquished. The Redbirds had the lead for 15 points in game three, but Northern Iowa used a 5-0 spurt midway through to pull away.

ISU will play at Valparaiso Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CDT) before hosting Valley foes Southern Illinois Friday and Sunday.