Kearney, Neb. - The 6th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team plays another non-MIAA match this week when they travel to South Dakota Mines Friday night in Rapid City.

The tilt against the Division II independent Hardrockers (4-9) begins at 7:00 p.m. Central. There will be no live stats but an America One broadcast is available.

Earlier this month, UNK (12-1) swept SD M & T (-15, -15, -18) in the New Victorian Inn & Suites Fall Classic at the Health & Sports Center. Seniors Ashley Leitner (12 kills & .282 attack pct.) and Ellie Pesavento (12 kills & .600 attack pct.) paced the offense with junior Liz McGowan having 20 digs as a libero.

Since then, the 'Rockers have gone 2-2 in a Florida Tournament, beating host St. Leo in five sets and falling to traditional power Florida Southern in four sets.

Six-foot redshirt freshman middle/right side Samantha Johnson (2.67 kills per set) and 6-1 middle Justine Blade (2.22) lead the offense with 5-10 sophomore setter Carsyn Garcia at 8.81 assists and 2.56 digs per set.

Garcia earned all-tourney honors at the UNK Fall Classic. In the loss to the Lopers, Garcia went for 29 assists, eight digs, four kills and a .375 attack percentage. Also, Johnson ended with a team-best 11 kills and a .308 efficiency with Blade and junior outside Janelle Strampe at seven kills a piece.

Prior to Tuesday's win over York College, the Lopers led the MIAA in opponent hitting percentage (.102) while ranking second in kills (14.05 per set), assists (13.39) and hitting percentage (.273). The leader in each of these areas is unbeaten Central Missouri.

The Jennies remained perfect thanks to a 3-2 win at nationally-ranked Truman State Wednesday night.

A tough stretch for the Lopers starts next Friday with a trip to Emporia State. A day later, UNK faces nationally-ranked Washburn in Topeka and then hosts another Top 25 team the following Tuesday (Wayne State). Finally, a trip to New York and Connecticut is up next with three matches in two days.