MANHATTAN, Kan. - After a recent four-match losing streak, the Northern Iowa volleyball squad turned things around Saturday with a pair of sweeps against Arkansas and Fresno State.

The Panthers defeated Arkansas 30-24, 30-22, 36-34 and then disposed of Fresno State 30-24, 30-28, 30-24 at the Varney's Invitational hosted by Kansas State.

Against Arkansas, Ashten Stelken continued her efficient ways with 14 kills and seven blocks, while hitting a robust .355 for the match. Shannon Aschoff and Amy Sampson each had 12 kills, and Danielle Brazda added 10.

Kristin Belzung was the assists leader with 48. Laura Rowen had 18 digs, Ellie Blankenship had 13 and Melissa Schmitz finished with 11.

Stelken continued her dominance in the Fresno State match, posting 17 kills while hitting a blistering .481. Aschoff had 10 kills while Sampson added eight.

Belzung once again led in assists with 44. Rowen had 19 digs, while Belzung and Blankenship each had 12.

With the victories, UNI improved to 5-5 on the season. The recent four-match losing streak was its longest since 1988.

The Panthers return to action Friday at Missouri State.