Lopers Sweep Doane in Straight Sets at Health and Sports Center
The sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney volleyball team put together a commanding performance on Tuesday night, hitting .351 to sweep Doane in three dominant sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-19) at the Health & Sports Center, Central Nebraska Today reported. While the matchup counted toward the Lopers’ regular record, moving them to 24-2 on the season, it served as an exhibition for the Tigers under NAIA rules.
Junior middle Celia Spilker led the offensive charge for Nebraska Kearney. Hailing from Cortland, Spilker earned the start and converted 21 swings into a match-high 14 kills, finishing with an eye-popping .524 hitting percentage while adding three blocks to anchor the defense.
Fifteen Lopers Contribute to the Sweep
A deep bench was utilized during the sweep, giving 15 different Lopers playing time on the court. Nine of those players recorded at least one kill as UNK controlled the pace from the opening serve.
Freshman outside Madeline Lamb of Omaha chipped in seven kills, while sophomore outside Addison Budke of Beloit, Kansas, added nine. At the service line, the Lopers tallied nine total aces. Junior lefty Julia Davenport of Papillion led the charge with three aces, Lamb added two, and sophomore libero Rhyan Mock of Stilwell, Kansas, anchored the back row with a team-best 14 digs.
Running the offense, setters Ellie Eckman of Lincoln and Callie Squiers of Kearney combined for 37 assists over the three frames.
Looking Ahead to Fort Hays State
The Lopers turn their attention back to play. Nebraska Kearney will face Fort Hays State, which holds a 16-11 record, in a non-conference match scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.
