Kearney, Neb. – The now sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team has its final non-conference weekend when it travels to Canyon, Texas, for three matches over two days.

The Lopers (8-1) will face two Lone Star Conference members on Friday, Midwestern State (5-2) and West Texas A & M (5-2), and then play Division II newcomer Lubbock Christian (3-6) on Saturday afternoon. Check the UNK schedule page for serve times and media links.

All three matches will be held in the WTAMU's Fieldhouse, also known as "The Box". Built in 1950, the 2,000-seat venue was redone in 2002 and is one of Division II's only volleyball-only venues. President Gerald Ford delivered an address in The Box in 1976 with a series of famous singers (Tina Turner and George Strait) having performed concerts in the venue.

UNK has history of its own in The Box. During its RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) days, the Lopers were a member of the South Central Region and ran into WT come NCAA Tournament time. Kearney took part in three regionals (2002, 2000 and 1999) in Canyon and went a combined 3-3, falling to the Lady Buffs in 2000 and 2002.

More recently, the Lopers have won five straight, all in straight sets. Kearney is holding opponents to an MIAA-low .111 attack percentage, thanks to 15.8 digs and 1.8 blocks per set. Junior Ellie McDonnell (4.31) and sophomore Julianne Jackson (2.95) lead in digs per set with sophomore Josie Cox (1.00) and senior Tara Ziegelbein (0.76) leading in blocks.

Hitting .256 and averaging 13.3 kills per set on offense, UNK continues to have a huge advantage in the serve game. The Lopers are plus 51, having 32 more aces and 19 fewer errors than its opponent. Seven different players have registered an ace, led by Lindsey Smith's 11 and nine by freshman Mary Katherine Wolfe.

UNK begins league play next weekend, hosting No. 18 Washburn Friday (6 p.m.) and Emporia State Saturday (3 p.m.).

Midwestern State U. Mustangs (Wichita Falls, Texas)
Conference: LSC (Lone Star Conference)
2017 Record: 5-2
2017 Notable Results: Lost 3-1 to Central Oklahoma; Beat Southwest Baptist, 3-1
Leaders: Addison Semer (2.67 kills & 0.93 blocks per set), Rockelle Gholson (2.74 kills & 2.26 digs per set), Addy Cook (2.71 kill per set)
2016 Record: 12-21 (6-14 LSC)

West Texas A & M Lady Buffs (Canyon, Texas)
Conference: LSC (Lone Star Conference)
2017 Record: 5-3
2017 Notable Results: Beat Missouri Western State, 3-1
Leaders: Kamille Jones (3.08 kills per set), Erin Clark (2.91 kills & 2.52 digs per set), Crystal Thomas (1.25 blocks per set)
2016 Record: 18-14 (6-14 LSC)

Lubbock Christian U. Chaparrals
Conference: HC (Heartland Conference)
2017 Record: 3-6
2017 Notable Results: Lost 3-2 to Colorado Christian
Leaders: Lauren Zoller (2.88 kills & 2.61 digs per set), Emily Hanaway (2.39 kills per set), Kelsie French (5.70 digs per set)
2016 Record: 19-11 (11-3 HC)