Kearney, Neb. – The seventh-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team hit .411 and served up five aces to overwhelm 17th-ranked Emporia State (-18, -14, -17) Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.
The Lopers (14-1, 3-0) avenged two losses to the Hornets (13-2, 1-1) last year and have now won 42 consecutive sets. They started 2025 by winning the first 41; the 2004 runner-up squad took 46 in a row during the midseason.
As they have throughout their win streak, UNK used great offensive balance, tough serving and a big block to keep its opponent on its heels. The Hornets hit just .127 overall and were blocked six times.
"We were really clean with just four attack errors (three unforced); it puts a lot of pressure on people when you don't give away points," said UNK head coach Rick Squiers. "Setters did a good job of moving the ball around, we got offense from our middles, and it was a good team win."
Trailing just five times all night, the Lopers saw All-American outside Carly Purdy (North Platte) have a team-high nine kills, right side Brynn Stowell (Olathe, Kan.) have eight and hit .615 with new starting middle Sidney Thompson (Beloit, Kan.) at eight in nine swings for a .889 efficiency. Finally, reserve right side Bryn McNair (Imperial) supplied four kills and three block assists.
"That was Sophia's best match as a Loper and it's important to get her going. She's such a physical athlete out there and made a difference tonight," said Squiers. "We got some early kills from Bryn, and she also did a good job blocking. At the same time, we have a couple of go-to players in Carly and Brynn when it's crunch time."
Finally, middle Sidney Davis (Dannebrog) had four kills and three block assists with junior Julia Davenport (Papillion) at two aces and three digs. These two teams will meet again next month in Maryville, Mo., but it'll be a non-con match.
The international Hornets were paced by Lavra Krizanic (10 kills, 11 digs) and libero Miyu Tsurumaki (17 digs).
UNK hosts Pittsburg State Saturday at 6 p.m. The Gorillas (11-3, 0-2) fell in five sets tonight at Fort Hays State.
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