Kearney, Neb. – The 8th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team used nine blocks and a .327 hitting efficiency to sweep 22nd-ranked Regis (-12, -15, -11) Saturday afternoon at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (16-1) now sit a top the RMAC East Division with a 6-1 mark. The Rangers, mean while, fall to 13-5 (5-2 RMAC). 

Back in 1999, UNK head coach Rick Squiers lost in his RMAC debut, a 3-0 decision at Regis. After today, the Lopers have won 28 straight over the Rangers.

Kearney, trailing just once in the match, recorded 44 kills while holding Regis to a .033 (26-22-123) hitting percentage. The 22 errors came in large part to two Loper solo blocks, plus 14 assisted blocks.

UNK has recorded at least 8.0 team blocks in its past three matches. After having seven stuffs last night vs. Metro State, sophomore middle Ellie Pesavento (Omaha Marian) had a team-best five today.

Four other Lopers had at least two blocks with freshman libero Liz McGowan (17) and sophomore outside Ashley Leitner (14) protecting the back row as they had double digit dig totals.

Offensively, Pesavento had 11 kills and didn't have an error in 25 swings (.440 attack pct.) while Leitner and Grand Island junior Ariel Krolikowski each had nine kills from the outside.

Regis, now playing without 2010 RMAC Freshman of the Year Christy Henzgen due to injury, was paced by Caitlin McDonnell (11 kills).

UNK is at Chadron State (Thursday) and Colorado Christian (Friday) next week.