HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team begins the season Friday at 6 p.m. by playing Central Oklahoma in the University of Tampa Classic.
NKU will meet a pair of teams ranked nationally in the NCAA Division II preseason poll - No. 9 Florida Southern and No. 7 Tampa - on Saturday to conclude the tournament.
NKU posted a 26-9 record last season and advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 2003. The Norse compiled a 14-5 record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and finished third in the GLVC East Division. NKU was voted third in the GLVC East Division preseason poll by the coaches.
Central Oklahoma finished with a 32-7 record last season. The Bronchos, who compete in the Lone Star Conference, advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament last year.
NKU features right-side hitter
Kristina Eisenmenger, who earned honorable mention All-America accolades last season after hammering down 481 kills. Eisenmenger, a left-hander with a powerful swing, enters her senior season with 1,276 career kills.
Norse setter
Natalie Forbes also earned honorable mention All-America accolades last season, and the senior from Highlands High School finished No. 2 in the GLVC in assists at 13.70 apg.
NKU must replace All-American Liz Holmes, who finished her career as the Norse's all-time leader in kills with 1,850. Holmes was also named the GLVC Player of the Year last fall.
NKU plays its home opener Sept. 2 when Lindsey Wilson visits Regents Hall at 7 p.m. The Norse also play host to Thomas More on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.
