Week 10: Regular Season Winds Down; MIAA's Tuesday

Kearney, Neb. – The now third-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team closes out the 2018 regular season this weekend at home when it battles Missouri Western State Friday and Northwest Missouri State on Saturday.

Both matches are set to start at 6 p.m. Check the Loper schedule page for media links.

UNK (28-2, 14-2), also ranked third in the NCAA Region Rankings, can lock up at least a share of the 2018 MIAA regular season title with a pair of wins this weekend. No. 11 Washburn (26-2, 14-2) hosts No. 17 Central Oklahoma on Friday; a WU loss and a Loper sweep would equal a 2018 MIAA outright title.

Prior to the Northwest match, UNK will honor seniors Ellie McDonnell (Papillion), Kendall Schroer (Ogallala), Lindsey Smith (Dakota Dunes, S.D.) and Morgan Stute (Kearney Catholic).

The Lopers swept the Griffons (-21, -20, -26) back in September while needing five sets to get past a Bearcats squad that has been among those receiving votes for the AVCA Top 25 all season.

Trying to start a new home court winning streak, UNK will remain in the Health & Sports Center for an MIAA Tournament first round match. That will be held on Tuesday, November 6, at 6 p.m. Pairings for the eight-team tournament will be released Saturday night on the MIAA website and social media platforms.

About the Missouri Western State Griffons
2018 record: 14-15 (6-10)

Notable results: Lost to NW Missouri, 3-2; Lost to Washburn, 3-1, Lost to Central Oklahoma, 3-2

Leaders to date: #13 Stephanie Doak (3.78 kills per set), #2 Ali Tauchen (2.47 kills & 2.40 digs per set), #1 Shelby Taylor (2.49 kills & 0.74 blocks per set)

About the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats
2018 record: 21-6 (13-2)

Notable results: Won at Washburn, 3-0; Won at Emporia, 3-0; Lost to Central Oklahoma, 3-2

Leaders to date: #8 Maddy Bruder (4.17 kills & 3.06 digs per set), #12 Hallie Sidney (3.10 kills & 1.83 digs per set), #7 Sofia Schleppenbach (2.58 kills & 0.87 blocks per set)

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Players Mentioned

#5 Ellie McDonnell: DS/L; 5' 5"; Senior

#20 Kendall Schroer: OH; 6' 0"; Senior

#1 Lindsey Smith: S; 5' 8"; Senior

#3 Morgan Stute: DS/L; 5' 6"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#5 Ellie McDonnell
: 5' 5"; Senior
: DS/L

#20 Kendall Schroer
: 6' 0"; Senior
: OH

#1 Lindsey Smith
: 5' 8"; Senior
: S

#3 Morgan Stute
: 5' 6"; Senior
: DS/L