Semifinal Recap: UNLV vs. Iowa State

IOWA STATE 3, UNLV 1 (31-29, 25-19, 13-25, 26-24)

Ames, IA -- Iowa State prevailed in a marathon first set against UNLV, then powered to the victory behind 24 kills from Jess Schaben, putting the Cyclones into the championship match of the 2018 NIVC.

Iowa State (20-13) will face Tulane or College of Charleston in the final.

Kills from Schaben (a three-time first team all-Big 12 selection) and Candelaria Herrera provided the winning margin in set one, and ISU was in control for most of set two, leading 14-6 and pulling away after UNLV got within 17-13.

UNLV (22-12) commanded the action set three and had a 23-20 lead in set four before the Cyclones fought back, hitting .429 overall in the set. Schaben also had 13 digs; Piper Mauck closed with 41 assists, and Izzy Enna had 19 digs.

The Rebels were paced by Mariena Hayden, who had 10 kills, 18 digs and eight aces. Thea Sweder had 11 kills, and Elena Ivanova added 19 digs.