Kearney, Neb. - The 5th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team scored the final five points to edge Mesa State (-16, 26-28, 20-25, -20, -10) Friday night in Grand Junction, Colo.

By winning a 16th straight match, UNK (22-1, 12-0) moved closer to securing home court advantage for the RMAC Tournament Nov. 12-14.

The West Division leaders, Mesa (12-9, 10-2) saw a modest four-match win streak come to an end.

Moment of the Match
The 5th set was tied at 10 all before back-to-back kills from junior middle Jeri Walkowiak. A kill from setter Cola Svec stretched the lead to three and then an unforced Mesa error and another kill by Walkowiak ended the long match.

Inside the Numbers
UNK out hit Mesa (.230 to .129) and had more kills (69-56) and digs (90-80). Mesa won the serving game, having 7 aces while the Lopers had 11 service errors

Lopers of the Match
Jeri Walkowiak (Jr., MH, Grand Island) - 16 kills, .500 attack pct., 2 blocks
Nikki Scott (Sr., MH, Broken Bow) - 16 kills, .325 attack pct., 7 blocks
Erica Burson (Sr., OH, Gross Catholic) - 15 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks
Cola Svec (Jr., S, Elkhorn) - 60 assists, 17 digs, 3 kills, 2 blocks
Katlyn Heiserman (Jr., L, Manchester, Ia.) - 25 digs, one off career high

Opponent Notes
Tessa Andrews had 16 kills, 6 blocks and 3 digs
Alisan Tompkins had 15 kills and 10 digs
Antoinette McCormick had 12 kills, 3 blocks and 3 digs

Up Next
UNK plays at Fort Lewis Saturday afternoon.