Kearney, Neb. – Junior outside hitter Emilee Lane had a career-high 18 kills and sophomore middle Mia Berg added 17 more to help third-ranked Nebraska Kearney sweep 29th-ranked Washburn (-23, -12, -24) Saturday night at the Health & Sports Center.
The Lopers (19-0, 7-0) move into sole possession of first place in the MIAA as No. 11 Central Oklahoma lost in four sets at Missouri Western this afternoon. UNK visits Arkansas-Ft. Smith (11-6, 3-3) and UCO (18-1, 5-1) next weekend.
The match featured 27 ties and 13 lead changes with UNK outhitting WU by 79 points and registering 21 more kills. However, the ‘Bods were close to winning the first and third they hit close to .300 in each set.
“It was a matchup that I was hoping would go our way. I think Washburn would probably admit that they are better defensively digging balls than blocking balls,” said UNK head coach Rick Squiers. “I think we exploited that tonight as we had a few hitters go on some nice runs. I think what they want you to do is to take a little off and then they are going to dig you to death.”
The ‘Bods used a 6-2 run to open a 20-18 lead in the opening set. After a kill by Berg (Eureka, Mo.), redshirt sophomore DS Lexi Stephens (Ankeny, Ia.) went back to the service line and promptly delivered four straight points. It was one of several strong serving runs she had on the night.
“It was good rotation for us and Lexi has the capability to have her serve just drop off the table. Every three or four you might get a chance at an ace but the best thing she did was let us keep scoring. She didn’t make an unforced error when we were in the middle of a run,” said Squiers.
UNK moved ahead 1-0 on the scoreboard after a WU attack error and then totally dominated set two. The Lopers hit .357 (19-4-42) while the ‘Bods mustered just seven kills and had five attack errors.
“If you go off speed, you try to hit shots; you must stay aggressive. Anything other than bringing the heat, then they are going to dig you,” said Squiers. “We knew that going it and, if they don’t block you, then you can get away with that approach.”
An ever-changing WU rotation and lineup yielded results in the third as the ‘Bods moved ahead 17-16 after a block. Like in the first set, UNK responded with a 6-3 run that included two kills by sophomore outside Carly Purdy (North Platte). While the set was tied three more times after that, back-to-back kills by Lane (Hays,
Kan.) finished the 1:38 match.
Both Lane (.500 pct.) and Berg (.375) reached their respective kills total in 32 swings with five others having at least two kills. That included Purdy who came in late during the second set. Defensively, Stephens (10), senior DS Addyson Mock (11) and graduate libero Alli Wiese (18) combined for 39 digs with setter Peyton Neff at 52 assists, six digs and two kills.
For Washburn, Heather Schemper had nine kills in 23 attempts (.348) and Austin Broadie had eight kills, two blocks and hit .316.
“This week, I think our defense frustrated people and we got offense from most everybody,” said Squiers.
