Volleyball | 10/20/2017 12:28:00 AM

Kearney, Neb. – The seventh-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team has a unique schedule this weekend, facing Southwest Baptist Friday night and Missouri Southern State Saturday morning.

This is the only time the Lopers (21-1, 8-1) face the Bearcats and Lions this fall. For media links and first serve times, check the UNK schedule page.

Since Rick Squiers took over as Kearney head coach in the fall of 1999, UNK is 186-41 (82 win pct.) in true road matches. That impressive record includes two undefeated seasons, 2004 and 2009, and five years with just one loss. The Lopers are currently 5-1 on the road. 

Riding a six-match win streak, UNK enters the weekend hoping to see its attack percentage rise a bit. The Lopers have hit below .200 in four of its last five matches including the past three. For the season, Kearney is at .219 which ranks fourth in the MIAA. Since Squiers arrived, the Lopers average is .265 with the high-water mark coming in 2004 (.320). 

Leading the way in hitting efficiency is senior middle Tara Ziegelbein (.346), junior setter Lindsey Smith (.301), freshman middle Madison Stearnes (.275) and freshman right side Anna Squiers (.240). Ziegelbein's average ranks fourth in the MIAA.

SBU (2-21, 1-8) has lost nine in a row after a 3-0 setback to Drury (Mo.) Tuesday night. The Bearcat wins came in five sets against Pittsburg State and Southern Nazarene (Okla.).

Junior outside Dana Neal (2.33 kills per set) and senior right side Katie Robinson (2.00 kps) pace the offense with Neal digging up 2.24 balls per set. She also is one of five 'Cats with a double digit ace total. Finally, Robinson leads in blocks (0.84 ps).

UNK swept SBU last fall in Kearney (-10, -18, -11).

MSSU is 9-13 (2-7) heading into a Friday match with Fort Hays State. The Lions are 5-2 at home after having four combined home wins the past two falls.

True freshman outside Janelle Brehm is at 3.35 kills and 2.39 digs per set while being tied for the team lead in aces (16). Next, sophomore middle Alicia Pickett leads in blocks per set (1.20) and is third in kills (2.52).

The Lions fell in three sets (-16, -12, -11) in Kearney to close out its 2016 season.

UNK has its third Tuesday night match of October when Hays visits the Health & Sports Center Tuesday.