Noelle Peterson (1) has helped NKU start the season 9-0.
OWENSBORO, Ky. – A record-setting night on the volleyball court probably meant lots of dramatic moments for Northern Kentucky University, right?
Well, not exactly.
As expected, drama was at a minimum Friday night as No. 14 NKU improved to 9-0 by sweeping past Kentucky Wesleyan, 26-24, 25-6, 25-14.
Kim Nemcek pounded down 15 kills and attacked at a sizzling .750 clip for NKU, which established the program's best-ever start to a season with its ninth consecutive win.
The Norse's previous best start of 8-0 had stood since 1994.
Noelle Peterson recorded seven kills and hit .462 for the Norse, who moved to 41-0 all-time against Kentucky Wesleyan. NKU has not dropped a set to Kentucky Wesleyan since Oct. 23, 1993.
Kentucky Wesleyan nearly snapped the set streak during the opening stanza, but NKU hit .342 to pull out a 26-24 win. The Norse attacked at a .636 clip in the second set and rolled to a 25-6 victory and closed out the sweep with a 25-14 triumph.
Kentucky Wesleyan has now lost 145 consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference matches. The Panthers' last conference victory came against Bellarmine on Oct. 31, 2001.
Nemcek added five blocks and two service aces, while teammates
Sarah Drennen and
Shelby Buschur each had seven kills.
Anna Prickel collected 22 digs for the Norse defense.
Jenna Schreiver finished with 38 assists for NKU, which is 4-0 in the GLVC. The Norse, who entered the match as the GLVC's top offensive team (.333 hitting percentage), attacked at a .375 clip Friday night.
NKU concludes the road trip Saturday with a match against Southern Indiana (6-2 overall, 4-0 GLVC). That contest will be a battle for first place in the GLVC East Division.
A year ago in Evansville, Ind., Southern Indiana swept NKU in the Pac Arena. The Norse own a 34-11 advantage in the all-time series with the Screaming Eagles.
