Kearney, Neb. – The 11th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team begins postseason play tonight with an MIAA Tournament first round match against the Missouri Western State Griffons.

First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $ 5.00 per person with youths six and under receiving free admission. Because this is a postseason event, Loper season tickets are not valid.

Fans not able to attend can follow the action via an America One broadcast or listen to the match at KGFW AM 1340 and at www.kgfw.com. Live stats are available HERE.

In the only meeting between the teams this fall, UNK (26-5) swept the Griffons (16-14) earlier this year in Kearney.

The scores were 25-21, 25-10, 25-15 as UNK got 15 kills from sophomore MJ Massanet (Manhattan, Kans.) and six kills and four blocks from freshman middle Bailey Sokolowski (Kearney Catholic).

The fifth-seed in the tournament, Western is paced by 5-10 junior outside Erica Rottinghaus. She is averaging 3.22 kills and 3.12 digs per set while also serving up a team-best 47 aces.

In the loss to the Lopers, she had five digs, one block and one kill.

Other Griffons to watch include 5-9 freshman Kelsey Olion (2.78 kills & 1.54 blocks ps) and Lincoln native Sarah Baubel (4.29 dps).
Western is 4-7 on the road this year and is coming off back-to-back home wins against SW Baptist and Lindenwood.

Tonight's winner plays either top-seed Central Missouri or eighth-seed Pittsburg State Friday at a site to be determined. The Jennies can host if they beat PSU.

For more info on the entire tournament, go to the MIAA web page