Kearney, Neb. – Th Nebraska Kearney volleyball team reported to fall camp today (Aug. 19) in preparation for its season-opener in three weeks.
The Lopers have just four days of “fall camp” as they scrimmage Metro State (Aug. 23/7 p.m.; Aug. 24; 12 p.m.) and Colorado School of Mines (Aug. 24/10:30 a.m.) this weekend. UNK then faces Colorado State-Pueblo next Friday (Aug. 30/5 p.m.) in its final tune-up. All scrimmages are free and open to the public, but match results will not be recorded.
Head coach Rick Squiers, 758-108 in his Loper tenure, and his staff must replace All-Americans Emersen Cyza (outside hitter) and Jaden Ferguson (right side) but plenty of firepower returns to help the Lopers duplicate last year’s 29-6 record. UNK reached the second round of the NCAA’s ultra-tough Central Regional, were MIAA Tournament runners-up and finished 10th in the final national poll.
North Platte redshirt junior setter Peyton Neff is a returning All-American with newcomer libero/defensive specialist Alli Wiese (Mattawan, Mich.) a two-time All-American playing for Hillsdale (Mich.) College. UNK added more experience in the backrow in redshirt junior Aleena Peterson (Kansas City) from Southwest Baptist. Next, fifth-year senior right-side Lauren Taubenheim (Lincoln Pius), senior outside Asha Regier (Newton, Kan.) and sophomore middle Mia Berg (Eureka, Mo.) have each earned All-MIAA honors in their careers. Finally, eight freshmen have come aboard.
UNK begins the year Sept. 6-7 in California with the home opener set for Sept. 10 vs. Peru State.