Box Score Kearney, Neb. – Sophomore middle Bailey Sokolowski and freshman outside Caitlin Broadwell had 13 kills apiece to help the 4th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team sweep Fort Hays State (-17, -24, -14) Tuesday night in Kansas.

The Lopers (22-2, 14-2) have now won 27 of the last 28 meetings with the Tigers to grab an 82-9 all-time series lead.

UNK controlled the first set but the second was a back and forth affair with neither team grabbing a lead of more than two points.

A kill from Teresa Wade allowed Hays (12-13, 6-10) to reach set point. However, Broadwell (Lawrence, Kans.) recorded back-to-back kills to turn the tables and force the Tigers to call time out. The short break didn't help as Sokolowski (Kearney Catholic) smashed home a kill for a 2-0 match lead.

"That was huge. It's a whole different match if they are able to pull that one off and tie the match," said UNK head coach Rick Squiers. "I think losing took some energy out of them but they still played well early in the third set. To fight that hard and be down 2-0 is a pretty big blow."

Out hitting the Tigers by 110 points, UNK controlled the third set much like the first. On the night, the Lopers recorded 21 more kills, 55-34, and dug up 17 more balls, 72-55.

To reach her 13 kills, Sokolowski needed just 22 swings and hit .500 with Broadwell having 11 more attempts and hitting a solid .333 from the outside.

On the other side of the net, senior Kelsey Broadwell had 13 digs and three digs for the Tigers. She is Caitlin's older sister.

Also for the Lopers, freshman outside LaRose Currie (Vail, Colo.) had 12 digs and six kills with junior right side Kelle Carver (Shawnee Mission, Kans.) and freshman middle Tara Ziegelbein (Lincoln Lutheran) each recording nine kills.  

"Our passing was outstanding tonight. LaRose, Liz McGowan, MJ Massanet and Annie Wolfe were rock solid," said Squiers. "For our freshmen outsides to come in here and rack up some kills, that's impressive. With Hays running a 6-2, they had to work around a big block."

UNK hosts Lindenwood Friday and No. 21 Central Missouri Saturday. Both matches start at 7:00 p.m.