Kearney, Neb. – The sixth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team looks to rebound this weekend when it travels to 14th-ranked Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State.

The Lopers (26-2, 12-2) face UCO Friday at 6 p.m. and then heads over to Pitt on Saturday to face the Gorillas at 2 p.m. Check the UNK schedule page for media links.

Ranked fourth in the all-important NCAA region rankings, the Lopers are coming off a 3-1 home loss to seventh-ranked Washburn last Saturday night. To avoid a second straight setback UNK has to win in a place – Edmond, Okla. – in which it has not tasted victory since 2014.

UNK fell in five sets to the Bronchos in 2015 and, later that season, lost to Central Missouri in three sets in the MIAA Tournament semifinals. The Lopers didn't have to make a return trip in 2016 but was swept in Edmond last fall by the 'Chos.

UCO is currently on an eight-match winning streak and sports a 10-1 mark at home. Their lone setback came against Washburn, 3-1. UNK rallied past the 'Chos in five sets back on September 21 in the Health & Sports Center.

An improving Pitt team is 6-5 at home and riding a two-match winning streak heading into a Friday date with Fort Hays State. The Lopers have had some battles at Pitt, winning in five sets in 2014 and having a close sweep (-22, -11, -21) last season. UNK swept the Gorillas earlier this season.

Thanks to a recent hot stretch, senior outside Kendall Schroer (Ogallala) now leads the Lopers in overall kills (255) and kills per set (3.15). She was at 3.22 as a junior and 3.02 in 2016. Four Lopers are between 1.81-2.45 kps including sophomore right side Mary Katherine Wolfe (Omaha Marian). 

Posting a 9-1 road record to date, UNK has exactly 140 service aces and 140 service errors. The Lopers are plus 80 in this area as opponents have managed just 62 aces. 

The regular season concludes next weekend when Missouri Western State and Northwest Missouri State come to the H & S Center. 
 

About the Central Oklahoma Bronchos
2018 record: 24-4 (12-2)

Notable results: Beat Central Missouri, 3-2; Won at Missouri Western, 3-2

Leaders to date: #16 Taylor Bevis (3.72 kills & 2.94 digs per set), #13 Haley Deschenes (2.65 kills per set), #1 Dominique Lipari (5.30 digs per set)
 

About the Pittsburg State Gorillas
2018 record: 17-10 (6-8)

Notable results: Lost to Central Missouri, 3-1; Lost to Lindenwood, 3-2; Lost at NW Missouri, 3-0

Leaders to date: #18 Lauren Regier (3.01 kills & 1.73 digs per set), #23 Meg Auten (2.49 kills per set), #5 Camryn Blanton (8.90 assists & 2.57 digs per set)