MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky volleyball program began the 2023 Comfort Inn-Vitational hosted by Morehead State with a pair of matches on the road against Butler and the hosting Eagles.
The Norse began the day on the right foot, picking up the 3-1 victory over Big East opponent Butler. NKU downed the Bulldogs in four sets from Morehead, Kentucky as
Abby Kanakry led the offense, recording her 1,000th collegiate career kill in the process.
Match number two was a grueling fight for Northern Kentucky, as the Eagles of Morehead State took the Norse to five sets in this late match.
GAME ONE --- THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 3, Butler - 1
LOCATION: Johnson Arena – Morehead, KY
RECORDS: NKU: 3-4 (0-0-0 Horizon), BUTLER: 3-4 (0-0 Big East)
MATCH NOTES
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Abby Kanakry led NKU in this win over the Bulldogs, anchoring the offense with 15 total kills to lead all competitors. Kanakry secured her 1,000th career kill late in set number four as she has been a crucial factor on the court for Northern Kentucky for several years now and continues to improve her game with each match. She went on to post a hitting percentage of .289 overall and chipped in two blocks and three digs in the winning effort.
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Joy Banks tallied double-digit kills once again with 12 in this contest. Banks added eight digs, one block and one service ace to help guide the Norse to victory.
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Lucy Cluxton had herself a career-day as well with 14 total digs against the Bulldogs. Cluxton helped anchor the defensive ground game for NKU, along with
Anna Burke who went on to total 20 digs in the match.
GAME ONE --- THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 3, Morehead State - 2
LOCATION: Johnson Arena – Morehead, KY
RECORDS: NKU: 4-4 (0-0-0 Horizon), MSU: 5-3 (0-0 OVC)
MATCH NOTES
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Abby Kanakry once again was at the head of the Northern Kentucky offensive attack, as the graduate senior posted a career-high 21 kills against the Eagles. Kanakry went on to finish
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Joy Banks and
Skyy Smith each provided solid offensive days as well with 15 and 12 kills respectively. Banks turned in a career-high 20 digs in this game to anchor NKU defensively as well. This was Joy's third double-double of the season also. Smith continued to be the front line of defense for NKU this season as she turned in seven total blocks against the Eagles.
- NKU continued to feature career-night's across the board as
Torie Houston totaled 32 assists in this contest. Houston recorded a career-high in the stat category while contributing six digs and two service aces.
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Anna Burke continued the trend of putting up career numbers tonight, as the libero totaled 31 digs to cover the Norse ground defense. Burke also added seven assists to aid NKU in the winning effort.
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Katy Yopko had herself a night as well with 28 assists and 10 digs to anchor Northern Kentucky. Yopko's stat line saw her record her first double-double of the 2023 season.
SOCIAL HUB
NEXT UP
Northern Kentucky volleyball returns to the court next, tomorrow Saturday, September 9, as the Norse will face Indiana State in the final day of the Morehead State Comfort Inn-Vitational. NKU and ISU will meet inside Johnson Arena in Morehead, Kentucky with first serve set for 11:00 a.m. (ET).
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