UNK volleyball relying on new faces to sustain success

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - University of Nebraska-Kearney volleyball began fall camp Monday. It is the start of a long season where the program hopes to achieve its 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament berth.

In order to do so, UNK will have to rely on a crop of new freshmen and transfers.

“I think we need our veterans to do the things we expect of them and we’re going to need some new players to step in,” UNK volleyball coach Rick Squiers said. “Maybe even some true freshmen to step in and play beyond their years.”

The Lopers were ranked as high as No. 1 nationally in Division II volleyball last season and finished the year with a 26-7 record.

“I’ve never had a group of freshmen or transfers this big, so learning their names is going to take a couple practices,” said Emersen Cyza, UNK junior outside hitter and 2021 All-American. “But we’re around each other all the time. We hang out on and off the court, so I’m really excited to get to know some of these freshmen and transfers. And a lot of them can make a positive impact on the court.”

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