Looking to end its six-game losing streak, the K-State volleyball team (6-9, 0-5 Big 12 Conference) will face No. 9 Nebraska (11-4, 4-2) in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday for its second away game this week.

The Wildcats are coming off a 0-3 loss against Texas A&M Wednesday. Head coach Suzie Fritz was disappointed with her team's performance.

"We played very poorly," Fritz said. "The M.O. of most young teams is that you're going to have some good days and you're going to have some bad days. That's expected."

In the last 30 years, Nebraska has lost to K-State only three times, including back-to-back losses in 2003. K-State is one of two Big 12 Conference teams to win twice at Nebraska.

Fritz spoke highly of the Nebraska Coliseum.

"It's wonderful. The Coliseum, I think, is one of the best volleyball venues in the country," she said. "It's a tremendous environment for volleyball."

The Cornhuskers are led in the front row by Brooke Delano, sophomore middle blocker, with 61 blocks and 125 kills for a .355 attack percentage and Lindsey Licht, junior right-side hitter, with 59 blocks and 138 kills for a .220 percentage. In the back row, Kayla Banwarth, junior libero, holds 253 digs and 8 aces.

K-State will counter with Kelsey Chipman, senior middle blocker, who has 64 blocks and 152 kills for .351 — including an impressive showing against Texas A&M with 9 kills for .562 — and Lauren Mathewson, junior libero, with 231 digs and 10 aces. Watch for Vanessa Murray, junior outside hitter, who has had notable performances this season.
Nebraska lost two-time first-team AVCA All-American Jordan Larson, along with two other star players.

"They are rebuilding a little bit as well," Fritz said. "They're still trying to find their way."
Despite their losses, she said the Cornhuskers are formidable opponents.

"They're very good," Fritz said. "They're very talented. They're a really, really good volleyball team."

First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the Nebraska Coliseum. The game can be watched online from the Cornhuskers' Web site, Huskers.com.