Kirksville, Mo. – Truman State Volleyball made their home debut Thursday night against one of the nation's top programs, falling in three sets (25-15, 25-20, 25-17) to undefeated No. 5 Nebraska–Kearney. The Bulldogs dropped to 2-7 on the season, while the Lopers improved to 11-0.

UNK showed why it sits among the country's elite, jumping out to an early lead in the opening frame. The Bulldogs jumped out to a mid set lead, forcing a UNK timeout, but a late-set run by the Lopers created separation, and the visitors closed the first set 25–15 behind a .286 hitting mark.

The Bulldogs responded with their strongest stretch in the second set. Makayla Way took over offensively, recording five kills in the frame, while Tori Creason and Molly Lambert kept the offense balanced with precise setting. Truman battled point-for-point into the late stages, trailing just 21–19 before UNK closed on a 4–1 run to take it 25–20.

In the third, Truman again matched the Lopers through the first rotation, with freshman Laci Neece and senior Dani Kurth providing kills at the net. But Nebraska–Kearney's depth showed late, as Carly Purdy and Brynn Stowell combined for nine kills in the set to finish off a 25–17 win and the sweep.

Way led the Bulldogs with 11 kills on an efficient .647 hitting percentage, adding three block assists. Neece chipped in five kills, Kurth contributed four kills with four total blocks, and Hannah Hosty added three kills and three blocks. Creason posted 15 assists, Lambert added 14, and libero Addy Janssen recorded a team-best 13 digs.

As a team, Truman finished with 34 kills on a .171 hitting percentage, 32 assists, and 33 digs, while posting four total team blocks against one of the MIAA's most powerful front lines.

Key Stats 

• Kills: 34 (Way – 11, Neece – 5, Kurth – 4)

• Assists: 32 (Creason – 15, Lambert – 14)

• Service Aces: 1 (Lambert)

• Blocks: 16 total blocks (Kurth – 4, Hosty – 3, Way – 3)

• Digs: 33 (Janssen – 13)
   

The Bulldogs will be hosting the Truman State Tournament over the weekend with four teams from across the GLVC and MIAA in attendance for the two day event. The Bulldogs will play three matches in the tournament, starting off with Missouri Western tomorrow at 1:30 PM. The Bulldogs and Griffons matched up once earlier this season in the Gorilla Invitational, with the Griffons prevailing that day. Truman will then take a break before playing a night-cap game against Rockhurst at 7:00 PM.

Watch Here

Tournament Central