Northern Kentucky University Athletics

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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Noelle Peterson recorded 16 kills and attacked at a .353 clip Saturday afternoon as the Northern Kentucky University volleyball team posted a four-set win against Southern Indiana in Regents Hall.

NKU captured the Great Lakes Valley Conference showdown by scores of 26-24, 25-13, 15-25, 25-22. The Norse (10-5 overall, 2-0 GLVC) rallied from a 16-12 deficit in the fourth set to take the match and avenge last season's loss to the Screaming Eagles (7-7 overall, 1-1 GLVC) in the conference tournament.

Peterson, a sophomore outside hitter from Milwaukee, Wis., collected three kills in the fourth set. She also converted a key attack late in the fourth set that extended NKU's lead to 23-21.

NKU's strong serving game produced 13 aces and kept Southern Indiana off balance much of the match. The Norse, in fact, rallied from a 17-12 deficit in the opening set by unleashing serves that resulted in four aces.

Peterson and Sarah Drennen both tallied four kills in the opening set for the Norse. Shelby Buschur and Drennen each served up two winners in the first set.

Buschur, a freshman from St. Henry, Ohio, was particularly effective and kept the Southern Indiana back row from making good passes with her punishing jump serve.

NKU setter Jenna Schreiver finished with 44 assists, five digs and three blocks. NKU middle hitter Kim Nemcek added 13 kills, 11 digs and three service aces. Drennen recorded nine kills and three aces, while teammate Kylee Tarantino served up three aces.

Southern Indiana's Brittani Oliver recorded a match-leading 21 kills and hit .333. The Screaming Eagles used their superior height at the net to collect 14 total team blocks (two solo, 24 assisted) but were unable to solve NKU's serving game most of the afternoon.

NKU upped its lead in the all-time series with Southern Indiana to 34-10. The Norse defeated the Screaming Eagles in their only regular-season meeting last fall at Evansville, Ind.

NKU plays a non-conference match against Urbana at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Regents Hall. The Norse resume league play Friday at 7 p.m. when GLVC newcomer Maryville (Mo.) visits Regents Hall.