HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Northern Kentucky volleyball kicked off the Green Family McDonald's Invitational with a big time win in five sets over regional rival Xavier at Regents Hall.
The Norse went up 2-0 with a pair of set wins before Xavier tied the match at two sets apiece. Northern Kentucky picked up the victory with a 15-13 set five victory to down the Musketeers 3-2.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky - 3, Xavier - 2
LOCATION: Regents Hall (Highland Heights, KY)
RECORDS: Northern Kentucky: 3-7 (0-0 HORIZON), Xavier: 2-7 (0-0 BIG EAST)
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Northern Kentucky powered its way to victory in the fifth set, hitting .314 with 14 kills on 35 attempts.
- Joy Banks posted a career-best day defensively with 28 digs, leading all players in the match. Banks added 14 kills, three service aces and a pair of blocks.
- Ava Hoying had her best night of the season with 16 kills, leading all players.
- Lucy Cluxton's 18 digs marked her ninth straight match with 10+ digs.
- Allison Risley added 14 kills, tying Banks for second on the team.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Northern Kentucky won the first set 26-24 and held Xavier to a .132 hitting percentage.
- Northern Kentucky won the second set 25-23, hitting .237 with 15 kills in the set.
- Xavier evened the match with a pair of set wins, but NKU avoided the reverse set with a 15-13 victory, finished off by a block from Allie Siefke and Sydney Bray.
UP NEXT
- Northern Kentucky hosts Miami (OH) on Saturday afternoon to close out the final home tournament of the season.
FOLLOW NORSE VOLLEYBALL
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