Kearney, Neb. – A quick three-match home stand for the 16th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team ends this weekend after visits by 12th-ranked Washburn and Emporia State.

First serve for both is set for 7:00 p.m.; check the UNK schedule page for media and ticket links.

In a bit of scheduling quirk, UNK (14-4, 4-2) has already faced the Ichabods and Hornets on the road. Kearney fell at Washburn (17-1, 5-1) in three close sets while sweeping the Hornets (8-7, 3-3) in a match that featured a rare 32-30 second set score.

After beating the Lopers (-23, -24, -19), Washburn was swept by Fort Hays State the next night. The 'Bods have responded with four straight sweeps, including one of ESU (-18, -23, -17) on Tuesday night.

Sophomore outside Leanna Willer had 16 kills and 15 digs in the win over UNK with junior middle Sarah Vicory at 12 kills, three digs, two blocks and a .500 hitting efficiency. Willer (4.40) is among the MIAA kill leaders with Victory hitting a team-best .350.

The Hornets saw junior right side/middle Shayla Cotman have 12 kills and hit .429 against the Lopers on September 26th. Junior middle Danika Burton also was a force, having six blocks, five kills and hitting .273. On the season, junior outside/right side Josie Williams is at a team-high 2.68 kills per set.

UNK has seen sophomore outside Kaitlynn Thomas (Yutan) amass 100 kills over the past six matches, vaulting into fifth in the MIAA (3.69 kps). Hitting .252, she also has 31 digs and 23 blocks on the season.

Next, Omaha junior right side Annie Wolfe ranks eighth in attack percentage (.329) with freshman Lindsey Smith first in assists (11.65 per set) and second in aces (0.39 ps). Finally, freshman libero is xith in digs (4.58) with sophomore middle Tara Ziegelbein 10th in blocks per set (0.87).

The Blue & Gold will face Pittsburg State and nationally-ranked Central Oklahoma next weekend on the road.