Kearney, Neb. – The 4th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team starts the 2012 season in paradise as the Lopers travel to Hawai'i for the Vulcan Classic.

UNK will play three matches over two days at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. To follow the action, go to the Vulcans live stats page.

Note there is a five hour time difference between Kearney and the Islands. So, the Lopers play Friday at 4:00 p.m.  (Augustana, S.D.), Saturday at midnight (UHH) and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. (U. of British Columbia, Canada).

The Lopers will be a be shorthanded on the trip as junior outside Ashley Lenitner (Lincoln SW), the team's kill leader in 2011, and senior outside Abbey Schueth (Ewing), are out with injuries. Both should return the lineup in the coming weeks.

In their place, sophomore Liz McGowan (G.I. Central Catholic) will play more on the outside instead of the back row and Mari Jo “MJ” Massanet (Manhattan, Kans.) likely will get the start on the right side.

To fill the void left by All-American Haley Lake in the middle, junior Katie Sokolowski (Kearney Catholic) slides over from the right side.
Massanet, the 2010 Kansas Class 6A Player of the Year, won't be the only new face to see playing time. Kearney High graduate Kalei Fertig and Wayne State transfer Steph Brand (G.I. Central Catholic) will supply depth in the middle, Grand Island Senior H.S. graduate Christina Silver is another option on the outside with freshman setter Erin Seele (Johnstown, Colo.) more than capable of being a hitter if the opportunity arises.

Looking at the opponents, UNK is only familiar with Augie as the Vikings came to Kearney last year and lost in three sets (-25, -15, 20).

Six-two senior outside Jordan Spatenka (3.31 kills per set) and 6-3 junior middle Holly Hafemeyer (3.29 kps & 1.01 bps) are back and combined for 22 kills and five blocks in that loss.

The tournament hosts are coming off a 2011 season in which they qualified for the NCAA Tournament. However, they must replace outside hitter Hillary Hurley, who led Division II in kills per set at an amazing 6.34.

A 12-person roster features seven underclassmen with junior setter Nicole Conley (9.27 aps & 2.25 dps) the top returner.

Finally, the match vs. the UBC Thunderbirds will be interesting as the Canadian club doesn't begin its regular season until mid-October.

So, while this match counts towards the Lopers record, UBC may be using this weekend as a tune up for its Canada West Conference matches.

Going 20-4 last fall, the T-Birds have nine players standing six feet or taller with outsides Kyla Richey (3.85 kps) and Shanice Marcelle (3.51 kps) expected to supply the offense.

The Lopers return to Kearney on Monday and then have a quick turnaround as the St. Cloud State Huskies come to the Health & Sports Center Thursday night.

On Friday and Saturday, the New Victorian Inn & Suites/Runza Fall Classic continues with UNK facing Maryville (Mo.), Northern State and Minnesota State.