Northern Iowa upsets undefeated No. 18 USC, 3-1

OMAHA, Nebraska -- The University of Northern Iowa volleyball team scored the program's first ever win over the University of Southern California at the Bluejay Invitational hosted by Creighton University, 3-1.

UNI (4-0 overall) won by set scores of 26-24, 30-28, 17-25, 26-24. It marks the second win this season over a ranked foe. USC came into the match undefeated and ranked No. 18 in the latest AVCA Top 25 poll.

The Panthers were paced by 20-kill efforts from Piper Thomas and Karlie Taylor. It is the second time this season that UNI has had two players reach 20 or more kills in the same match. Thomas added a team-best five blocks. Taylor tallied her third double-double of the year with 12 digs.

Victory for UNI ... UNI defeats No. 18 USC, 3-1. 1st ever win for the Panthers over the Trojans. #UNIfight pic.twitter.com/W3EWKSGRPX

— UNIVolleyball (@UNIVolleyball) September 1, 2017

UNI senior setter Heather Hook posted 50 assists and 10 digs for her second double-double of the season.

Junior Bri Weber was credited with a season-high 18 digs.

UNI will be back in action on Saturday with matches against Kentucky (10 a.m.) and Creighton (8 p.m.).