Kearney, Neb. - The 6th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team got a bit effort from a trio of six footers to sweep Western State (-16, -16, -13) Thursday night at the Health & Sports Center.

The start of a six match homestand, the Lopers improve to 19-1 (9-1 RMAC) while a very young Mountaineers team drops to 4-14 (1-9 RMAC).

Western came in averaging 16 digs per set and they displayed that defense all match long. Digging up 66 balls, two more than the Lopers, the Mountaineers hung around in each set.

However, UNK managed 19 more kills, 47 to 28, and also hit nearly 200 points higher (.248 to .072). Kearney also never trailed in the first and third sets and only twice in the second set.

Individually, middle hitters Ellie Pesavento (11) and Haley Lake (10) combined for 21 kills, five digs and three blocks. Lake reached her kill total in 20 swings with no errors (.500 attack pct.).

On the right side, sophomore Katie Sokolowski (Kearney Catholic) had eight kills, five assists, three digs and hit .412. Three Lopers had double digit dig totals, including junior setter Jenna Rouzee (12).

And, coming off the bench, junior outside Abbey Schueth provided a spark, having four kills in eight attempts (.500 attack pct.) as well as two digs and a block.

Western was led by Josie Hopkins (11 kills & 11 digs). Three other Mountaineers had double digit dig totals as well.

UNK hosts Colorado Mesa tomorrow night. The Mavericks played at Chadron State Thursday.