ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western (9-9, 2-4 MIAA) fell in three sets (25-21, 25-20, 28-26) to the No. 4-ranked Nebraska Kearney Lopers (18-1, 5-1 MIAA) on Friday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.
 
NOTABLES

• The No. 4-ranked Lopers entered Friday's night game as the highest-ranked opponent the Griffons have faced this season.
• Friday's loss was only the third time the Griffons have been swept this season, with one of the other sweeps coming against another ranked team in No. 12 Southwest Minnesota State.
• The Griffons nearly won the third set and were leading 22-17 after an Ali Tauchen solo block.
• Last year, the Griffons were swept in their first match against Nebraska Kearney before winning the rematch at the end of the season against the then fifth-ranked Lopers.
• Missouri Western will have another chance to take down Nebraska Kearney on November 2.

 
STATS AND LEADERS

• The Griffons totaled nine blocks as a team, with five of those coming in the third set.
• Rachel Losch was the most efficient player on the court tonight, hitting .571 on her nine kills.
• Liv Winker led all players with 34 assists.
• The Griffons struggled to hit consistently on offense. Their best-hitting set came in the first at .209.

 
UP NEXT

• Missouri Western will face off against Fort Hays tomorrow on Saturday September 29 at 2:00 p.m.
• The Tigers have lost eight straight matches and have been swept in seven of those eight losses.
• Saturday's match will be the second match of five straight at home for the Griffons.