Kearney, Neb. – The top-ranked Nebraska-Kearney volleyball team starts MIAA play this weekend with a trip to Emporia State Friday night and a battle with undefeated Washburn on Saturday afternoon.

The Lopers (12-0) have a quick turnaround as they host the rival Fort Hays State Tigers on Tuesday, September 18. Check the volleyball schedule page for first serve times and media links.

To get off to another fast start, UNK ranks first in the league in hitting percentage (.270), opponent hitting percentage (.056) and opponent assists per set (8.7). One of the MIAA leaders in aces with 74, the Lopers are also one of the toughest teams to ace with just 31 receiving errors.

Individually, sophomore right side Mary Katherine Wolfe (.418) and junior middle Mackenize Puckett (.408) rank 1-2 in the MIAA in attack percentage. Next, senior setter Lindsey Smith is second in assists (11.0) and third in aces (0.5) per set with senior libero Ellie McDonnell second in digs per set (5.10).

Last fall UNK swept both Emporia (3-0 and 3-1) and Washburn (3-1 and 3-1) during the regular season and then beat the Hornets in three sets in the MIAA Tournament. A year earlier the Lopers fell at Washburn, 3-1, for its first of two losses in 2016.

 
About Emporia State Hornets (Emporia, Kan.)
2018 record: 5-7
Notable results: Beat No. 12 Rockhurst, 3-2; Lost to Sioux Falls, 3-0
Leaders to date: #16 Tatum Graves (Sr., 6-2, MH, 3.15 kills and 0.91 blocks per set), #9 Jamie Hauptman (Sr., 5-10, OH, 2.33 kills per set), #8 Allie Maloney (4.36 digs per set)

About Washburn Ichabods (Topeka, Kan.)
2018 record: 12-0
Notable results: Nine 3-0 wins and three 3-1 wins
Leaders to date: #9 Erica Montgomery (2.74 kills and 1.21 digs per set), #1 Genna Berg (2.67 kills and 2.03 digs per set), #5 Shayla Conner (8.97 assists and 3.30 digs per set)