HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team looks to continue its historically successful start to its inaugural Division I season this weekend when the Norse travel to the Comfort Inn and Suites Invitational, hosted by Morehead State.
The Norse will take on the host Eagles and Alabama A&M on Friday before wrapping up tournament play on Saturday against Evansville.
NKU stands a 4-0 on the season after taking a 3-0 (25-19, 30-28, 25-22) victory over Wright State on Tuesday. NKU defeated Saint Peter's, Western Carolina and North Carolina A&T in the WCU Invitational last weekend to open the 2012 campaign.
LI”MVP"PERT: Senior outside hitter
Haley Lippert was named the WCU Invitational's Most Valuable Player last weekend, racking up 37 kills in three matches for the Norse. Lippert served as a backup outside hitter last season and has come on strong to start the 2012 campaign, providing a key to the Norse attack.
WE CAN DIG IT: Senior defensive specialist
Kylee Tarantino continues her climb up the all-time digs list at NKU, standing at 1,212 after her 11-dig effort at Wright State to surpass Amber Timmons for sixth all-time.
FOUR-THOUSAND STRONG AND GROWING: Senior setter
Jenna Schreiver should approach a milestone this weekend, as well. Schreiver is 59 assists short of 4,000 for her career. She stands third all-time at NKU, trailing Andrea Lanham(4,726) and Molly Donovan (4,971) for the school record.
THEY SAID IT
Head coach
Liz Hart
On the upcoming tournament: “We're really excited about this tournament, it should be a real challenge for us playing Morehead [State], Evansville and Alabama A&M. We're really looking forward to this weekend.”
On the 4-0 start: “It's been a huge confidence boost, but we're looking to get better every day and keep improving. Hopefully we can show this weekend that we've made some changes and improvements and that we're ready to go.”
On
Haley Lippert's early contributions: “Haley's done a great job. We knew last year we had a very solid backup at outside hitter, and this year she was ready to go on the court and perform and she's done a great job.”
On
Kelly Morrissey's play: “Kelly's just an awesome player all-around. She's very smart and able to play a lot of positions. She had a good spring and we knew she'd come in ready to play and she really rallied the team around her against Wright State.”
On
Kylee Tarantino and the defense: “Kylee's had a phenomenal year, she's done a great job not only on defense but on serve receives as well. She's so consistent that sometimes we just forget she's back there because she does such a great job running the defense without a lot of flash.”
On the fan support: “We love to play in front of our fans. It was so great to play in front of our fans at Wright State and we're hoping for the same support at Morehead!”
