MARYVILLE, Mo. — The No. 3-ranked University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers kept their perfect record intact with a 3-1 defeat of the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball squad Saturday at Bearcat Arena.

The Lopers (17-0, 4-0 MIAA) won their 17th consecutive match to begin the season, while the Bearcats dropped to 6-7 overall and 0-4 in league play.

UNK won by set scores of 25-20, 20-25, 25-15 and 25-18. UNK has lost only five sets this season.

Neb.-Kearney's superior attacking percentage of .314, compared to Northwest Mo. St.'s .156, played a crucial role in the match's outcome.

Northwest Missouri State began the first set with an early defensive highlight as Chloee Hayes and Maja Noehrer combined for a block to take the initial point. Despite a brief setback, Kasidy Mohwinkle and Hayes each contributed kills, helping the Bearcats regain momentum and tie the score at several junctures. Mohwinkle's performance marked the eighth match this season where she has gained 10 or more kills. Abby Bulthuis also added key points with multiple kills, supported by setter Ella Caffery's assists, keeping the match close. Notably, Bulthuis has had six matches this season with double figures in kills.

However, UNK capitalized on a series of errors from Northwest Missouri State to pull ahead. Critical points from Hayes and Bulthuis kept the Bearcats within striking distance. Despite tenacious play, the Lopers closed out the set with a final score of 25-20, leveraging a late surge and consistent offensive execution.

Northwest Missouri State capitalized on early momentum in the second set, establishing a lead with a series of kills from Hayes and Noehrer, assisted by Caffery. This helped the Bearcats push to a 3-0 advantage. Noehrer gained her first double-figure kill match this season with 11, marking her second 10-plus kill match of her Bearcat collegiate career. Despite a brief response from the Lopers that tied the score at 3-3, the Bearcats regained control with a kill from Mohwinkle and continued to build their lead.

The Bearcats maintained their edge with strategic plays, including a service ace by Mohwinkle and multiple assists from Caffery, extending their lead to 11-7. Defensive efforts were highlighted by blocks from Caffery and Gabrielle Gartner, further solidifying the Bearcats' position. Although UNK closed the gap to 21-18, Northwest Missouri State held firm, and a service error by the Lopers sealed the set for the Bearcats at 25-20.

Northwest Missouri State began the third set with momentum, as Noehrer and Mohwinkle capitalized on assists from Caffery to secure early points. This initial push allowed the home team to establish a 4-1 lead. However, UNK responded, closing the gap and drawing level at 5-5 after a series of effective plays by Brynn Stowell and Emilee Lane.

Despite strong efforts from Gartner and Noehrer, Northwest faced challenges as UNK extended their lead with a run that brought the score to 21-10. Northwest rallied late, with Mohwinkle and Caffery adding critical points, narrowing the deficit to 23-15. However, UNK closed out the set 25-15 with decisive plays from Carly Purdy and Peyton Neff, concluding the set with a strong finish.

The fourth set began with a brief back-and-forth exchange of points before Northwest Missouri State found a rhythm. Hayes and Noehrer contributed key kills to keep the team competitive early on. Bulthuis added a service ace, and the team briefly led 8-6.

UNK responded by capitalizing on a series of errors and strong plays, including multiple contributions from Lane and Neff, to shift momentum firmly in their favor. Despite efforts from Mohwinkle and Ella Heckenlively to close the gap, the opposition extended their lead, ultimately taking the set 25-18.

Caffery led the team with 41 assists and added 17 digs, highlighting her playmaking and defensive contributions. Mohwinkle paced the offense with 12 kills on a .323 hitting percentage while also contributing five digs. Hayes made an impact with nine kills and three blocks, adding two service aces to her performance. Bulthuis recorded 11 kills and seven digs, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the match. Notably, Karsen VanScoy has registered 10 or more digs in all 13 matches this season.

Northwest will return to road action next week with a matchup against No. 1-ranked Central Oklahoma (Friday, 6 p.m.) and vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (Saturday, 1 p.m.).

Game Notes:
- UNK has lost only five sets this season.
- Karsen VanScoy has registered 10 or more digs in all 13 matches this season.
- It is the eighth match this season that Kasidy Mohwinkle has gained 10 or more kills.
- Abby Bulthuis has had six matches this season with double figures in kills.
- Maja Noehrer gained her first double-figure kill match this season with 11. It is her second 10-plus kill match of her Bearcat collegiate career.