NKyTribune staff
The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team split a pair of matches on Saturday at the Golden Dome Invitational, defeating Weber State in four sets before dropping a three-set decision to host Notre Dame.
In the opener, senior outside hitter Haley Libs collected 25 kills and 13 digs as NKU posted a 25-22, 28-30, 25-17, 25-22 win over Weber State. Freshman setter/right-side hitter Miranda Wucherer added seven kills, 28 assists and 18 digs for the Norse.
NKU opened the season by winning twice at the Golden Dome Invitational. The Norse defeated both Toledo and Weber State, and then lost to Notre Dame on Saturday night. (Photo by Chloe Smith, NKU Athletics Communications)
The nightcap featured NKU going up against Notre Dame in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Fighting Irish won in straight sets, 25-17, 28-26, 25-14, and improved to 3-0.
NKU (2-1) owned a 24-19 lead in the second frame and had five set points, but Notre Dame responded with a 6-0 run to take a 25-24 advantage. NKU countered with kills by Bailey Western and Libs to regain the lead at 26-25, but Notre Dame ran off three straight points to take the set by a 28-26 score.
Libs finished with five kills and 23 digs, while Wucherer led NKU with eight kills and 15 assists. The Norse hit just .045 for the match, while Notre Dame attacked a .180 clip. Terrill led NKU with 31 digs, and Olsen finished with 11 assists and 15 digs.
Notre Dame won the battle at the net, finishing with a 13-3 advantage in total team blocks. NKU owned a 99-86 edge in digs.
NKU will participate in the Northern Illinois Invitational next weekend, with the Norse taking on Virginia at 4 p.m. Friday. NKU will also meet Nevada and host Northern Illinois on Saturday.
(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications and staff reports)
