Volleyball cruises past Fort Lewis; winning streak now at 21 games |
| Posted by Administrator on Oct 15 2008 |
Photo by Garrett Ritonya
Sophomore middle hitter Jeri Walkowiak, of Grand Island, slams the ball through the outstretched arms of the Fort Lewis defense. The Lopers swept all three sets to improve their winning streak to 21 games.
By Garrett Ritonya
Antelope Staff
The University of Nebraska at Kearney Volleyball Team took the court Saturday night in a battle of first place teams as they took on RMAC rival Fort Lewis.
Coming into the game, the Skyhawks were in first place in the West division of the RMAC while UNK was the top team in the East.
What should have been a heated battle between the teams turned into a one-sided blowout with the Lopers sweeping all three sets in convincing fashion, further separating themselves from the rest of the RMAC.
Leading the Lopers to set wins of 25-15, 25-13 and 25-14, were middle hitters Nikki Scott, a junior from Broken Bow, and Jeri Walkowiak, a sophomore from Grand Island, who combined for 22 of the team's 45 kills.
The Lopers finished the game with an outstanding .343 hitting percentage, their third highest total on the year.
Perhaps the hottest player of the night was Scott, who had 12 kills in just 15 swings with only one error, which equaled a .733 attack percentage.
"We knew that we were playing a really good opponent in Fort Lewis, so we knew that we could not make unforced errors and silly mistakes," Scott said. "We came out and kept our errors down and played a pretty complete game."
Fort Lewis had a hard time getting anything going against the hot Lopers squad, which has now rattled off 21 straight victories after losing their first match of the year in Hawaii.
"We have continued to improve from the beginning of the season," Scott said. "We are working hard in practice to improve the things we are struggling with, and we love to compete."
Part of the reason for success has been the Lopers' detail on defense, losing only two sets at home this year.
During the game, the Loper women held Fort Lewis to a measly .035 attack percentage, while UNK compiled a .343 average.
"We have always been a good defensive team that has been able to make those spectacular plays in a game that really get you some momentum," Walkowiak said.
"However, it's routine plays that are really key in a game. Coach makes sure to emphasize this in every practice, and we work on it every day in order to make sure we are able to defend come game time."
UNK has also done a good job of defending its home court this season. The Lopers have only lost two sets in the Health and Sports Center all year.
The next stretch of games will be a test for the Lopers, as they will travel for three straight road games in three consecutive days, starting Thursday night against Adams State.
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