NKyTribune staff
Alex Greive netted three goals to lead the Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team to a 3-2 win over Illinois-Chicago on Saturday in Highland Heights.
Greive’s hat trick was the first since NKU transitioned to NCAA Division I status. The Norse’s Michael Holder scored three goals on Sept. 26, 2010, against Saint Joseph’s (Ind.), which was the most recent NKU hat trick prior to Saturday.
Down a goal at the half, Greive kicked off his scoring assault in the 48th minute. With a cross from Connor Probert and a header pass from Sam Nwosu, Greive sent a shot just outside of the box and into the bottom-right corner of the net to even the score at 1-all.Greive’s second goal gave NKU a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute, but UIC responded with a tying score just 40 seconds later.
Greive capped his hat trick at the 82:25 mark, taking a feed from Ryan Godding and finishing to give NKU a 3-2 lead.
NKU improved to 3-5-1 overall, 2-2 in the Horizon League. UIC dropped to 8-3 overall, 2-1 in the Horizon League. The Flames are the defending Horizon League Tournament champions.
NKU steps out of Horizon League play on Wednesday night to host Berea at 7 p.m.
NORSE VOLLEYBALL PLAYS IUPUI: The NKU volleyball team plays host to IUPUI at 2 p.m. Sunday in Regents Hall. The Norse are 9-6 overall, 2-1 in the Horizon League.
IUPUI is 2-1 in the Horizon League after losing at Wright State on Saturday, and the Jaguars are 6-10 overall. The Norse own a 5-2 lead in the all-time series against the Jaguars.
NKU dropped a five-set decision at Wright State on Friday night. The Raiders fought off two match points in the fourth set and eventually rallied for a 21-25, 20-25, 25-22, 27-25, 15-11 win over NKU.
With its sweep over IUPUI on Saturday, Wright State improved to 15-1 overall, 4-0 in the Horizon League. The Raiders have won a nation-leading 15 consecutive matches.
(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications and staff reports)