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Volleyball 8/30/2023 11:06:00 PM

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Press Conference with Lauren Taubenheim & Jaden Ferguson

Press Conference with Head Coach Rick Squiers

Kearney, Neb. – The biggest day in the history of volleyball and the Nebraska Kearney Lopers were a part of it.

"Volleyball Day in Nebraska" at Memorial Stadium lived up to the hype and then some as the event featured a post-match concert, fireworks, a National Anthem flyover, volleyball luminaries, national media, strong play on the court and a new world-record crowd for a women's sporting event (92,003). The previous mark of 91,648 was set in March 2022 at a UEFA Women's Champions League (soccer) match in Barcelona, Spain. Loper VB

"We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Volleyball Day in Nebraska. It was a once-in-a-lifetime deal," said UNK head coach Rick Squiers. "The score didn't turn out how we wanted it to but, big picture, what a day. This whole thing was just unbelievable."

UNK, ranked 16th in the national poll, fell to an experienced fourth-ranked Wayne State in three sets (-17, -17, -12) to start the fun day. The exhibition match featurd a third set that went to 15 points and a multitude of players from both teams got to play throughout the afternoon.

"We saw lots of good things (on the court) today and we're optimistic about our group. Wayne State has a heck of a team, and they are a little bit further along, a little older. They made a few less young player mistakes and probably a good example of where we trying to get to by the end of the season."

The Lopers and Wildcats played in front of an estimated 20,000-50,000 fans from the opening serving to the final point. The two teams also had to brave the heat and even some wind. For the Nebraska and Nebraska-Omaha match, things were much cooler and calmer.

"Before the match, we talked about when you're on the North side and you had the wind at your face, you've got to get the ball up, drive it and hit it harder," said Squiers. "Every now and then, the ball goes out to the pin and the wind catches it a little bit and throws off the timing. For both teams, I thought it was tough for outsides to get kills. Once we get up and going, I do think we have several outsides that will give people trouble."

The bright spots from the Lopers came with leads of 5-0 and 2-0 over the first two sets. North Platte setter Peyton Neff served up five straight points to start the day. Alliance outside Emersen Cyza and Kansas middle Abby Rose combined for two blocks, forcing the 'Cats to call timeout.

Ranked No. 1 for much of last season and with most of that outfit back, Wayne quickly settled in and recorded 14 kills the rest of the set to win by eight. The next set featured five ties with the 'Cats using a 5-0 run to open a 19-12 advantage. They hit just .140 but held UNK to a -.043 thanks to their size and experience at the net.

Loper VB

"There were some stretches that looked like real volleyball and stretches of where is what more like 75, 80 percent real volleyball," said Squiers. "They handled that a little bit better than we did at times and when the rallies went on until they could get the ball to the middles. And then the rally was over a lot of times."

Kansas outside Asha Reiger had four kills in the final set with Missouri freshman middle Mia Berg having a couple of blocks and finishing with four kills. Overall, 20 Lopers took the courts with everyone recording a stat. Regier (six) and Lincoln native Jaden Ferguson (five) led in kills with Cyza and Neff at three blocks apiece. Finally, Miden DS Jensen Rowse came up with 13 digs.

"We want to be a team that goes toe-to-toe with Wayne State at the end of the season and we've got to get to work," said Squiers. "We did some things really well like passing and our middles are going to get better."

Wayne was paced by junior middle Maggie Brahmer (eight kills, five blocks, .368 pct.), junior middle/right side Taya Beller (six kills, six blocks) and senior outside Kelsie Cada (seven kills, seven digs). The 'Cats out hit UNK by a .208-.046 margin with the Blue & Gold managing three more digs, 51-48.

"Our ball control was good and our serve receive gave us a chance in every rally. It's deeper than it was last year," said Squiers. "I thought we played mostly good defense. The tips hurt us and we've got to get work on that."

UNK heads to Salt Lake City on Thursday in preparation for the Westminster Invite Friday and Saturday. They'll take on Oklahoma Christian, Texas Woman's, St. Martin's (Wash.), and the host Griffins over the two days.

Gallery: (8-30-2023) Volleyball Day in Nebraska

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Players Mentioned

#18 Emersen Cyza: OH; 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior

#1 Peyton Neff: S; 5' 9"; Redshirt Freshman

#12 Jensen Rowse: DS/L; 5' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore

#9 Lauren Taubenheim: OH; 6' 2"; Redshirt Sophomore

#7 Abby Rose: MB; 6' 1"; Freshman

#19 Mia Berg: OH/MB; 6' 1"; Freshman

#21 Jaden Ferguson: RS; 6' 0"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#18 Emersen Cyza
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Junior
: OH

#1 Peyton Neff
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Freshman
: S

#12 Jensen Rowse
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Sophomore
: DS/L

#9 Lauren Taubenheim
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Sophomore
: OH

#7 Abby Rose
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: MB

#19 Mia Berg
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: OH/MB

#21 Jaden Ferguson
: 6' 0"; Graduate Student
: RS