KEARNEY, Neb. – Western State Colorado University volleyball led the No. 5 ranked University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers 10-5 to start the first set. However, it would be the largest lead of the match for the Mountaineers. UNK would go win in three sets, 3-0 (25-21, 25-7, 25-16).
 
Western (0-5, 0-0 RMAC) shocked the Lopers on their home court to begin Thursday's match. The Mountaineers' fast pace forced UNK into committing errors, while Western took advantage. After the first 14 points, the Mountaineers had a 9-4 lead and forced UNK to take a timeout.
 
The first set went back and forth and Western looked like they might be able to steal a set from UNK (4-1, 0-0 MIAA). Down 21-20, Western was just five points away from taking the lead against top-10 opponent.
 
Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, UNK would win the first set 25-21.
 
Now with momentum on their side, the Lopers would win the second set 25-7 and the third 25-16.
 
The Mountaineers out-blocked UNK 5-3 on Thursday.
 
Kiki Johnson led the Mountaineers in points with seven and kills with six. Teammate Cierra Abbott recorded five kills and 6.5 points.
 
UNK's Tara Ziegelbein led all players with 11.5 points.
 
Western will remain in Kearney, Nebraska over the weekend, playing four matches in the New Victorian Inn & Suites/Runza Fall Classic tournament.