Box Score Kearney, Neb.  – Senior Ariel Krolikowski and junior middle Ellie Pesavento combined for 21 kills to help the 2nd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team sweep Central Oklahoma (-17, -12, -19) Tuesday night in an MIAA Tournament first round match at the Health & Sports Center.

The Lopers (31-2) will now host the MIAA semifinals and finals this weekend. UNK will Friday at 7:00 p.m. against 5th-seed Emporia State, who upset 4th-seed Truman State in four sets tonight.

The other half of the bracket pits 2nd-seed Washburn against 3rd-seed Central Missouri at 5:00 p.m. Both of those teams won their first round matches in four sets

The championship match is slated for 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Ticket prices are $ 5.00 for ages 7 and older (6 and under are free) and  $ 2.00 for the first 100 UNK students with a valid ID.

Due to this being a postseason event, season tickets are not valid.

Beating the Bronchos (13-19) for the third time this fall, UNK was in control all night. The Lopers recorded 23 more kills than UCO, 49-23, while hitting a solid .267.

In addition to her team-high 11 kills, Krolikowski also dug up 10 balls and had a solo block at the net.

Next, Pesavento (Omaha Marian) had 10 kills in 15 swings for a super .667 hitting efficiency and provided three blocks on the defensive end. Finally, freshman right side MJ Massanet (Manhattan, Kans.) had eight kills, nine digs and hit .571.

In the Loper back row, senior Kaleigh Anderson (Lincoln SW) dug up a team-best 16 balls, pushing her career total to 1,008. She becomes just the 25th Loper to reach four figures in digs.

Krolikowski (987) will be the next to join that small group.

The Bronchos were led by Morgan Roy, who had 11 kills and nine digs.