Kearney, Neb. – The 12th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team heads to St. Paul this weekend for the NCAA Tournament's Central Regional.

The fifth-seeded Lopers (29-6) face league rival Central Oklahoma (30-4) on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. With a win, UNK would play Friday around 7:30 p.m.  The title match is set for Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Tournament host Concordia-St. Paul has set up a webpage that includes ticket and venue information and links to free a vide web stream and live stats. Fans can also listen to the matches locally on KGFW AM 1340 and on-line at www.kgfw.com.

UNK and fourth-seeded UCO met only once this year, a regular season tilt in Edmond. UCO rallied from deficits of 11-6 and 13-10 in the fifth set to win (25-27, -15, 19-25, -22, -13).

UCO senior outside Barbara Jackson had 12 kills in the improbable win. The 2014 first-team All-American is coming off a 33 kill effort in the MIAA Tournament finals vs. Central Missouri. Jackson currently is at 3.91 kills and 2.58 digs per set and hits at a .267 clip.

The 'Chos, ranked 14th nationally, also have the league's top freshman this year in outside Taylor Bevis (3.29 kps).

Last season, Kearney and the Bronchos split, each winning on the others home court. Historically, UNK is 2-0 all-time vs. UCO in the NCAA's, winning a second round match in 2007 and a first round matchup in 2002.

Unless a monumental upset occurs, the Loper-Broncho winner faces CU (27-4) on Friday night. The top-ranked Golden Bears, who play Southwestern Oklahoma State Thursday, have won seven of the last eight national titles and are 43-1 in the NCAA's since 2007.

The only loss came last season in the second round, a 3-1 decision to Southwest Minnesota State.An NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conf.) school has hosted the past four Central Regionals; 2012 and 2015 in St. Paul and 2013 and 2014 in Duluth.

UNK is 27-19 in 19 all-time NCAA appearances. The Lopers, advancing to the 2005 national title match and the 2004 Final Four, are in the Big Dance for a 17th straight year. Only UCM (33) and Tampa (31) having longer active streaks.

The Lopers' 27 wins are tied for 12th most in Division II history (including active and former members). Concordia leads with 53.