Story by: UNK Athletic Communications
Kearney, Neb. – Ten different players recorded a kill and eighth-ranked Nebraska Kearney finished strong to sweep Peru State (-11, -11, -22) Tuesday night at the Health & Sports Center.
This was the home opener for the Lopers (4-1) while the NAIA Bobcats fell to 5-2. UNK has a quick turnaround as they leave early Wednesday morning for Northern California and the "Redwoods Coast Volleyball Classic" in Arcata.
Outside hitters Grace Schmedding (Olathe, Kan.) and Carly Purdy (North Platte) had nine kills apiece as UNK out hit PSC by 243 points. The Lopers did have to call Purdy back into action as the 'Cats held a 20-17 lead in the third set. The 2025 All-American promptly recorded four kills to help the Lopers record a fourth straight sweep.
"Sometimes that's how volleyball goes, I guess. You hate to have to bring your players back into the game to bail you out. That's exactly what happened," said Loper head coach Rick Squiers. "We wanted to get some of our young players experience because they need it. But things got a little sideways, Peru didn't give up, we got a little sloppy there in the third and gave away points. We didn't quite know how to be serious enough while having fun playing volleyball."
Setters Ellie Eckman (Lincoln SW) and Callie Squiers (Kearney Catholic) combined for 30 assists with middle Sidney Davis (Dannebrog) at a team-best three blocks. Next, libero Ellie Spang (Ft. Wayne, Ind.) had 19 digs and four assists with Schmedding digging up 17 balls. Finally, right side Brynn Stowell (Olathe, Kan.) had five kills and hit .357.
"We did enough over the first two sets, but my critical eye sees a lot of things that are going to be trouble for us when we play MIAA opponents," said Squiers. "We didn't serve well enough; we hit only two something against them in the first set. We do play pretty good defense, got some block touches and were clean over the first two sets."
Peru was paced by Eden Moore (six digs and six kills).
The Lopers first opponent in Cali is the Dominican University Penguins (1-3) Thursday at 8 p.m. Central.