Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney outside hitters Ashley Leitner and MJ Massanet combined for 27 kills to help the 9th-ranked Lopers blast Southwest Baptist (-11, -9, -17) Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

UNK is now 20-3 (6-2) while the Bearcats slip to 14-9 (4-6).

An up-and-coming SBU squad came out excited and they grabbed an early 4-2 lead. However, Kearney rolled from there, tallying 34 kills over the first two sets with the 'Cats mustering just 19 on the night.

After an eight-minute intermission, Southwest played better in the third set, recording eight kills and grabbing an 11-9 lead on a block by McKinley Chelsey and Jenna Isaacs.

The Lopers responded with a 9-2 run, capped by a block by the Sokolowski sisters, Bailey and Katie. Leitner (Lincoln SW) finished the set with three straight kills, pushing her match total to 12.

Next, Massanet (Manhattan, Kans.) recorded her sixth double double of the fall, going for 15 kills and 14 digs. She also was one of three Lopers to hit over .300 (.323).

In the middle, Katie Sokolowski and senior Ellie Pesavento (Omaha Marian) combined for 16 kills, three digs and two blocks. Finally, Omaha freshman Annie Wolfe had 11 digs and two aces off the bench.

Freshman Mackynzi Gibson had nine kills and hit .300 to pace SBU.

UNK hosts Missouri Southern State tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 p.m.