Box Score Kearney, Neb. – The Lindenwood volleyball team recorded 12 blocks and five different players had eight or more kills to help the Lions upset 8th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney in four sets (19-25, -21, -23, -19) Saturday night in St. Charles, Mo.
 
UNK falls to 18-3 (4-2) with the Lions improving to 7-13 (4-3).
 
In a match that featured 18 ties and seven lead changes, the Lopers took the first set despite using a makeshift lineup. Ahead 7-3 out of the gates, UNK fell behind 19-18 but finished on a 7-0 run to grab a 1-0 match lead.
 
The late spurt featured back-to-back kills by senior outside Ashley Leitner (Lincoln SW) and freshman middle Bailey Sokolowski (Kearney Catholic) as well as an ace by sophomore setter Erin Seele (Johnstown, Colo.).
 
Lindenwood bounced back, grabbing a 5-1 lead in the next set. While they briefly trailed by a point, they went on an 8-4 run to assume control and never fell behind again.
 
UNK tried to counter, leading 5-1 early in the pivotal third set. However, the Lions roared back, getting back-to-back aces by Emma Brydels to lead 11-9. A Loper error followed and Lindenwood was back in control.
 
Kearney did force ties of 21 and 22 all but kills by Brydels, Megan Dillon and Kayla Guyot gave the Lions the set. They then let the fourth and final set for most of the way. 
 
The Lions won despite hitting only .156 (49-25-154). Shannon Doyle (14) and Sarah Makowski (10) reached double digits in kills with Dillon having eight and hitting a team-best .312.

Makowski led the block party, having a match-high eight with Brydels at five and Guyot providing four. Finally, the Lions had eight aces with three different players having two apiece.
 
Hitting a season-low .130, UNK was led on offense by Leitner (13) and senior middle Katie Sokolowski (10). Seele handed out 37 assists, had 16 digs, two aces, six kills and hit a team-high .417.
 
Also, freshman libero Kadie Baumgardner (Auburn, Kans.) dug up 22 balls with the younger Sokolowski having a team-best four blocks.
 
UNK hosts Missouri Western State Tuesday night.