Match notes
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team opens its Atlantic Sun Conference schedule on Wednesday when the Norse welcome Lipscomb in for a 6 p.m. first serve at Regents Hall. Live stats and video coverage will be available at nkunorse.com and ASun.TV.
NKU brings in a 4-5 record after picking up two wins at the University of Cincinnati Invitational last weekend. The Norse defeated Navy in five sets on Friday night before taking a win over the host Bearcats in another five-setter. NKU fell in its final match against defending Horizon League champion Cleveland State, dropping three sets by a combined seven points.
A WORD ABOUT LIPSCOMB: The Lady Bisons are 6-3 to open the season, having gone 2-1 this past weekend at the Hokie Classic, hosted by Virginia Tech. Lipscomb dropped its opener against Virginia Tech before picking up wins against William & Mary and Duquesne. Lipscomb has been dominant offensively so far this season, leading the nation at 16.07 kills per set and ranking third nationally with 14.52 assists per set. Caitlin Dotson ranks second in the country with 12.76 assists per set, while Jewell Dobson is seventh in the nation, averaging 4.97 kills per set, and her .422 hitting percentage is in the top 30 nationally. On the defensive side, Bri McCombs averages 3.93 digs per set to lead the Lady Bisons.
LAST TIME AGAINST THE LADY BISONS: Lipscomb was victorious in both matches against the Norse last year to lead the all-time series between the clubs, 2-0. In last year's A-Sun opener, Lauren Ford had 20 kills to lead Lipscomb to a five-set victory over NKU at Regents Hall on Sept. 18.
Jenna Ruble responded with a team-high 15 kills to go with four blocks for the Norse. The Lady Bisons picked up a straight-set victory in the return match at Lipscomb on Oct. 30.
Haley Lippert led the Norse with 12 kills while
Kelly Morrissey had 11 kills and 10 digs.
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK…AGAIN: Taylor Snyder was named the A-Sun Freshman of the Week for the second week running after averaging 10.23 assists and 2.15 digs per set in the weekend's action at UC. Snyder posted two double-doubles and added eight blocks and four service aces to her performance. Snyder now stands fourth overall in the conference and leads all freshmen with 10.05 assists per set on the season.
RUBLE RUNS THE OFFENSE: Senior middle hitter
Jenna Ruble led the Norse offensively in last weekend's UC Invitational, posting 34 kills and a .325 hitting percentage on the weekend to earn all-tournament team recognition. Ruble also had two service aces and seven blocks. The Lancaster, Ohio, native also equaled a season high with 15 kills in the win over Navy on Friday.
MORE FROM MEGAN: Junior opposite hitter
Megan Wanstrath also earned all-tournament team accolades for her efforts at the UC Invitational. Wanstrath totaled 29 kills and hit .268 while chipping in seven blocks. Her 14-kill performance in the win over Cincinnati marked a new career high, eclipsing the mark she had set the previous weekend with 13 kills against Miami (Ohio).
HOME COURT HOSPITALITY: NKU posted a 7-3 mark when playing at Regents Hall in 2012 and has already picked up a home win over Wright State earlier this season. In four seasons under head coach
Liz Hart the Norse have compiled a 26-5 record at home.
