virgiliofranciscol@lopers.unk.edu
UNK athletics had strong performances across the board this weekend, highlighted by cross country’s top-five finishes at the MIAA Championships, a volleyball sweep over Fort
Hays State and competitive showings in soccer and football.
Cross Country
The women’s and men’s cross country teams turned in strong performances at the MIAA Championships at Fair Oaks Golf course in Pittsburg, Kansas, with the women finishing third and the men placing fifth.
The 16th-ranked women tallied 71 points to record the program’s third top-three finish in the last five years and had three in the top 20. Senior Ella Buhlke led the way for UNK in seventh place, earning All-MIAA honors for the second straight year. Buhlke was joined in the top ten by freshman Abigail Burger, in eighth place, and Kassidy Stuckey. Freshman Lily Brewer fell short of All-MIAA honors by one spot, coming in 21st.
Buhlke said the team’s depth and close-knit culture contributed to the success.
“We have a lot of girls who are able to step up and fill a gap if someone doesn’t have a good day,” Buhlke said. “Everybody is really good friends and when we get on the line, we’re ready to race for each other and not ourselves.”
On the men’s side, UNK extended its streak to eight straight top-five MIAA finishes, totaling 135 points and had three men in the top 30. Redshirt senior Nick Abdalla led the Lopers, placing 11th to earn All-MIAA honors for the third consecutive season.
“Being consistent over the years takes effort,” Abdalla said. “Staying focused in training and taking care of my body and always trying to get better.”
Also finishing in the top 30 for UNK were sophomore Mesuidi Ejerso (24th) and freshman Drew Elliott (29th). The other scorers for the men were Conner Wells and Carter Hohlen, finishing in 36th and 37th place, respectively.
The NCAA Central Regional meet will be held in Joplin, Missouri, on Saturday, Nov. 8, with the women competing at 10 a.m., followed by the men at 11:15 a.m.
Volleyball
Outside hitter Carly Purdy and Emilee Lane had 21 kills combined to help No. 4 UNK sweep Fort Hays State in Kansas. The win moves the Lopers to 21-2 overall and 8-2 in the conference. UNK battled through two tight opening sets before taking full control in the third, limiting Fort Hays State to under a .145 hitting percentage throughout. Brynn Stowell had eight kills and seven digs and Ellie Spang led the defense with 16 digs. The Lopers hit the road to compete against Pittsburg State (10-11) at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, and Newman (2-19) at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.
Football
UNK football delivered a strong defensive performance but fell 14-0 at No. 14 Northwest Missouri State on Saturday afternoon in Maryville. The Lopers’ defense forced multiple turnovers and kept the game within reach until the fourth quarter. Junior cornerback Ja’Marion Gipsin led the defense with seven tackles and a pass breakup. Senior defensive end Jack Johnson also had seven tackles, two tackles for loss. The Lopers host Central Oklahoma (4-4) at noon on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium.
Soccer
UNK couldn’t contain Emporia State’s offense Friday afternoon, falling 5-1 on the road in Kansas. The Hornets built a 2-0 halftime lead and had three goals in the second half and all five goals came from different players. Senior Gracie Perez scored her first goal of the season in the 89th minute of the game. Junior goalkeeper Susie Bovaird had four saves. The Lopers will host Rogers State (2-6-6) at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, and Northeastern State (8-6-1) at noon on Sunday, Nov. 2.
