UNK Volleyball: #6 Lopers Go 12-0 in League Play

Kearney, Neb. – Graduate outside hitter Carly Purdy had a match-high 19 kills to power sixth-ranked Nebraska Kearney over Central Missouri in three sets (-20, -19, -18) Saturday evening at the Health & Sports Center.
This was the regular season finale for both with UNK moving to 27-2 (12-) and the Jennies ending their year at 15-14 (5-7). A loss to Fort Hays State Friday knocked them out of the eight-team MIAA Tournament next week in St. Joseph. The Lopers play those same Tigers (18-12) Thursday at 5 p.m.
Purdy (North Platte), belting out a stirring rendition of the “National Anthem” prior to first serve, had one of her best efforts of the ball. She reached her kill total in 39 swings with no errors, good for a .487 efficiency. Purdy added four blocks (two solo) and two digs.
“Her effort was huge tonight because she was able to score on some out of system balls; one that were coming from behind her and two blockers are out there. Carly found a different level of confidence and, since we weren’t able to score everywhere, so the fact she was consistent for us all night was huge,” said Loper head coach Rick Squiers.
Playing for their postseason lives, UCM battled until the bitter end and were led by outsides Ashlyn Jaccard (10 kills, .529 pct.) and Mia Ferguson (15 kills, five digs). However, they couldn’t overcome a .154 efficiency and lulls in each set.
“We talked about it (UCM’s tourney situation) and we reminded our group we still have reasons to play hard. Still, it’s a weird dynamic to play one of these because they are truly fighting for their season,” said Squiers. “They took the court that way and we took some pretty good shots from them in all three sets, kind of hung in there and able to get over the hump about halfway through.”
Also, middle Sydney Davis (Danneborg) had two block assists, eight kills and hit .319, libero Ellie Spang (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) provided 22 digs, ace and rare kill (off a dig) with setter Ellie Eckman (Lincoln) at six digs and 21 assists.
“We have a group that’s found a way the last couple of weeks. Thought we played great and were super clean against Fort Hays (Oct. 30) and last night (vs. Missouri Southern) was similar,” said Squiers. “Tonight was a little clunky but it’s also an okay time to pause and say great regular season.”