No. 5 UNK volleyball moved to 9-0 on the season and has yet to drop a set. The Lopers may have lost five seniors, but haven’t missed a beat.
After competing closely in all four matches at the Rosella Meier Fall Classic, UNK came out on top and kept the trophy home.
“We have been preaching having a warrior mentality this season and just go out and play game-by-game and focus on what is happening right now instead of worrying about what is to come,” Coach Rick Squiers said.
The Lopers were able to compete against some tough competitors and make gritty, smart plays, which is what helped them during the tournament.
Squiers said he knew this was going to be a time when they needed to compete and work together the most.
“Everyone pushed us, which is exactly what we needed,” Squiers said.
With weapons in the front and back row, UNK has the depth, and Squiers said he wants to see how far it can go. The Lopers were kept alive during long rallies through key plays made by junior libero Ellie Spang.
“(Spang) seems to be one of those players that can rise and make some miracle saves, especially when we need them,” Squiers said.
Throughout the tournament, there were many Loper standouts who made key plays to help keep them alive.
“We worked really hard,” said Carly Purdy, senior outside hitter.
In game one against Sioux Falls, senior outside hitter Emilee Lane had 16 kills with one block on the night, followed by Purdy with 12 kills and three blocks.
In matches two and three, the Lopers hit above .300. Lane added another 10 kills to her total for the weekend. Mia Berg added 10 kills and one block as well against Adams State.
In the Missouri-St. Louis match, Carly Purdy racked up 17 kills. The Tritons really challenged the Lopers. Missouri-St. Louis pushed the Lopers, specifically in the second set. The Lopers emerged victorious with a 29-27 set win.
In game four, attackers Purdy and Brynn Stowell totaled 26 kills to shut down the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers.
Looking at the attackers in the front row, Squiers can put anyone in the front row and is never afraid to swing. Squiers’ approach to this season has instilled a rejuvenated intensity.
“I found a newfound confidence in myself and was excited to come out and compete today,” Purdy said.
Purdy finished the weekend with 52 kills. Purdy’s performance this weekend embraced the warrior mindset for the season ahead.
UNK has three matches on the road before MIAA conference play starts Friday, Sept. 26, at home against Central Missouri. The Lopers begin at Truman State, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, before facing the Illinois Springfield Prairie Stars at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, and rounding out the weekend against Maryville in Springfield at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.
