KEARNEY, Neb. — Missouri Western State Volleyball could not beat a potent Loper offense Friday on the road falling to No. 9 Nebraska Kearney in straight sets (25-22, 25-13, 25-22) at the Health & Sports Center.

The Griffons (12-5, 5-3 MIAA) were led by a double-double from Holly Heldt, who registered 12 kills and 12 digs on the day. Emma Salker also added 11 kills to help the offense. On the defensive end, Lia Graham chipped in with 12 digs to go with four blocks from Danielle Moje. The Lopers improved to 16-1 and 6-1 in the MIAA.

SET 1 | The Griffons fell behind early, losing the first set 25-22. Kearney grabbed the advantage for good at 13-12 in a set that was knotted up nine times before the Lopers took control.

SET 2 | A 25-13 second-set loss put Missouri Western behind two sets to none in the match. The Griffons lost the first point and never took the lead before dropping the set.

SET 3 | Kearney finished off the sweep with a third-set win. The Griffons fell behind on the first point and never clawed back into the lead before falling in the set 25-22.

GAME NOTES

• Missouri Western had three players in double figures in kills.
• Missouri Western had three players in double figures in digs.
• Graham had a team-high one ace in the loss.
• Heldt's double-double is her seventh this season and second in a row. 
• Missouri Western attackers were helped by a team-high 35 assists from Nessa Johnson.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western next plays Missouri Southern (11-6, 4-4 MIAA) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Joplin at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions defeated Newman 3-0 on Friday at home.