FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball is gearing up for arguably its toughest test of the season as the Lions welcome No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney to the Stubblefield Center this weekend.

The Lions and Lopers will square off at 6 p.m. Friday before the Lions host Fort Hays State on Saturday at 1 p.m. Saturday's match will be a Pink Out match for breast cancer awareness.

Both matches will be streamed on the MIAA Network and broadcast on Fox Sports Radio 103.5. Live stats will be available at uafortsmithlions.com.

Monday the Lions will then go to Arkansas Tech for a 6 p.m. match to conclude its nonconference schedule.

NOTES:

LAST WEEK: UAFS suffered a pair of road losses at Missouri Western State and Northwest Missouri State.

AT THE NET: The Lions continue to lead the MIAA in blocks at 2.57 per set.

RECORD WATCH: Outside hitter Caelyn Gunn ranks eighth with 801 career kills while middle blocker Hannah Watkins ranks seventh with 234 total blocks and is tied for fourth with 57 solo blocks.

SCOUTING UNK: The Lopers are the lone unbeaten team in the MIAA at 19-0, 7-0 and ranked No. 3 by the AVCA. UNK ranks in the top two in the league in numerous statistical categories, with setter Peyton Neff leading the league in assists at 12.58 per set.

SCOUTING FHSU: The Tigers are 9-7 overall but just 1-6 in league play, having lost six matches in a row. Fort Hays struggles defensively, allowing the most kills and assists per set while allowing the third highest attack percentage. Outside hitter Gracie Rains is third in the MIAA with 3.61 kills per set.

SCOUTING ATU: The Golden Suns are 9-10 on the year and 3-1 at home. Outside hitter Savannah Meyer leads ATU with 3.52 kills per set while libero Jamie Myrick averages 4.80 digs per set.  

THE SERIES: UAFS lost the first ever matchup against UNK back in 2011 while the Lions are 1-0 against Fort Hays State, winning the lone matchup in 2017. UAFS is 3-0 all-time against Arkansas Tech.