LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV volleyball team (0-1) opened its 2025 season with a three-set loss (22-25, 21-25, 21-25) to Iowa (1-0) on Friday night at the Pavilion on the first day of The Rebel Challenge. The match was the programs' first meeting with the Hawkeyes and second straight year they opened their season against a Big Ten squad.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: Despite a home-court advantage and a crowd of 633 fans, the Rebels struggled offensively, hitting just .088 as a team while committing 26 attack errors. Iowa capitalized with a balanced attack and strong blocking at the net, racking up 15 team blocks compared to UNLV's seven.

The opening frame set the tone for the match as UNLV fell behind 9-2 early. The Rebels rallied to tie it at 16 and stayed within striking distance, but late errors proved costly as Iowa took the frame 25-22. UNLV jumped out to a 15-11 cushion in the second set led behind kills from Basia Latos and Alondra Alarcon, but the Hawkeyes responded with a 14-6 closing run to win 25-21. In the final set, UNLV again stayed close through the midway point before Iowa pulled away late to seal the sweep.

Latos led UNLV with a match-high 15 kills and a .306 hitting percentage, adding five digs and one service ace. Alarcon chipped in 11 kills, three digs and one service ace, while Caleigh King anchored the back row with eight digs. Setter Agata Makowska dished out 14 assists and added four digs.

THE REBEL CHALLENGE: Along with Iowa's sweep over UNLV, Utah Tech undefeated with a sweep of their own against CSU Bakersfield in the afternoon contest.

UP NEXT: The Rebels will continue The Rebel Challenge on Saturday, August 30, facing off against CSU Bakersfield in Cox Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. PT following a neutral match between Utah Tech and Iowa at 4 p.m.