University of Dubuque tops Cornell College, 3-1

University of Dubuque defeated Cornell College 28-26, 23-25, 25-21, 25-16 at Stoltz Sports Center in Dubuque, Iowa on September 16, 2026, taking the match three sets to one before an attendance of 550.

Dubuque held a clear edge in offensive production, posting 53 kills to Cornell College's 39 and doubling the Rams on the service line with 8 aces to 4. The Spartans' attack efficiency advantage was most pronounced in the fourth set, where Dubuque hit .342 compared to Cornell College's .214, pulling away decisively after a competitive opening three sets. Cornell College's blocking unit was active — finishing with 9 total blocks to Dubuque's 6 — but it wasn't enough to offset a 14-dig disadvantage in the back row, where the Spartans collected 83 digs to the Rams' 69.

Chloe Reiser led all players with 14 kills for Dubuque, while Delainey Winkel added 13 kills, 3 aces, and 11 digs for a well-rounded evening. Alexis Kammerer directed the Spartan offense with 37 assists. For Cornell College, Mia Tubbs paced the attack with 11 kills on a team-best .300 hitting percentage, and Ashlin Nottestad contributed 10 kills and 14 digs.

Dubuque used a 6-1 run midway through the third set — going from tied at 6 to leading 13-7 — to seize control of a set Cornell College had led early, swinging momentum heading into the fourth.

The win moves Dubuque to 7-2 on the season, while Cornell College falls to 1-5.

Box score: https://udspartans.com/sports/womens-volleyball/stats/2026/cornell-college/boxscore/3793