Kearney, Neb. – The now third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team returns home this weekend before heading to Fort Hays State Tuesday night.

The Lopers (22-1, 8-1) are in sole possession of second place in the MIAA standings and are riding a nine-match win streak. UNK's home court win streak is up to 63 in a row, three shy of tying the school record.

UNK faces Missouri Southern State Friday night and Southwest Baptist Saturday afternoon. Check the Loper schedule page for first serve times and media links.

All eyes will be on Papillion senior libero Ellie McDonnell Friday as she needs just seven digs to set a new school record. Her current total of 2,093 digs is right behind record holder Liz McGowan (2,099). McDonnell is averaging persona-best 5.5 digs per set this year, pushing her career average to 4.7.

McDonnell, a three-time All-MIAA pick, also has 177 assists, 54 aces and 11 kills in her career. She has appeared in 445 sets, just behind back row mate Morgan Stute (446). Both could crack the UNK all-time top 10 in sets played by year's end; they would need to get to 498.

UNK enters the weekend hitting .248 and averaging 13 kills, 18 digs, two blocks and 1.5 aces per set. The Lopers are holding its opponents to a .107 efficiency and are plus 71 in the serve game.

Finally, Saturday's tilt with SBU will likely be the last meeting with the Bearcats. At the end of the 2018-18 academic year SBU is leaving the MIAA for the GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference).

After visiting Fort Hays Tuesday, UNK hosts Emporia State and first-place Washburn next weekend.

 
About the Missouri Southern State Lions
2018 record: 2-17 (2-7)
Notable results: Beat Missouri Western, 3-2; Lost to Lindenwood, 3-2
Leaders to date: #17 Janelle Brehm (So., 5-11, OH, 2.65 kills & 2.83 digs per set); #5 Shaylon Sharp (Fr., 5-11, OH, 1.87 kills & 1.31 digs per set); #2 Bridgette Jaeger (Jr., 5-9, OH, 1.70 kills & 2.87 digs per set)
 
About the Southwest Baptist Bearcats
2018 record: 4-18 (0-9)
Notable results: Beat SE Oklahoma, 3-1; Lost to Lindenwood, 3-1
Leaders to date: #13 Greysen Roster (Jr., 5-11, MH/RS, 2.09 kills & 0.76 blocks per set); #22 Delanie Tipton (So., 5-11, MH, 1.81 kills & 0.093 blocks per set); #7 Sam Ibarra (Jr., 6-1, MH/OH, 1.53 kills & 0.66 blocks per set)

About the Fort Hays State Tigers
2018 record: 6-15 (0-9)
Notable results: Beat Mary, 3-1; Lost to Lindenwood, 3-0
Leaders to date: #13 Isabelle Reynolds (Fr., 5-11, OH, 2.66 kills & 0.76 blocks per set); #2 Azlyn Cassaday (Sr., 5-9, OH, 2.42 kills & 0.093 blocks per set); #43 Abbie Hayes (Jr., 5-6, L, 4.75 digs per set)