NKyTribune staff
Bailey Western attacked at a torrid .571 clip with eight kills as the Northern Kentucky University volleyball team posted a 25-22, 25-17, 25-19 win over IUPUI in Regents Hall on Sunday.
Miranda Wucherer added eight kills, 19 assists and hit .500 for NKU, which improved to 10-6 overall, 3-1 in the Horizon League. Abby Kanakry finished with nine kills and attacked at a .421 clip as the Norse hit .300 as a team.
NKU hit .317 in the opening set and cruised to a 25-22 win as Kanakry and Laura Crawford each smashed four kills. The Norse held IUPUI to a -.077 hitting percentage in the second frame and coasted to a 25-17 victory, and then attacked at a .314 clip in the third stanza to cap the sweep.
NKU sophomore setter Miranda Wucherer (5) finished with eight kills, 19 assists and hit .500 during the win against IUPUI in Regents Hall on Sunday. (Photo by Jeff McCurry)
Western added a team-leading five blocks, while Shelby Olsen posted her second straight double-double with 19 assists and 11 digs. Brinkmann recorded eight kills and 12 digs as NKU moved to 6-2 all-time against IUPUI.
McKayla Wright led IUPUI (6-11 overall, 2-2 Horizon League) with nine kills. The Norse held the Jaguars to a .053 hitting percentage and owned a 53-41 advantage in digs.
NKU plays host to Oakland at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Regents Hall. The Golden Grizzlies are 8-8 overall, 1-3 in the Horizon League.
NKU is currently one game behind Horizon League co-leaders Wright State and Milwaukee. The Norse meet Milwaukee (17-1 overall, 4-0 Horizon League) in a key road match on Friday night.
MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN: The Thomas More volleyball team hits the road for a crucial Mid-South Conference match at Georgetown (Ky.) on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Saints (11-5 overall, 6-2 Mid-South) are tied with both Georgetown and Life (Ga.) for second place in the conference, a half game behind Lindsey Wilson (15-4 overall, 7-2 Mid-South). Georgetown is 13-9 overall, 6-2 in the Mid-South. The Tigers have won six consecutive matches, including a sweep over Lindsey Wilson last week.
Lindsey Wilson plays at Life on Monday night in another key Mid-South Conference battle. The Blue Raiders, who are ranked No. 13 nationally in the NAIA poll, defeated Thomas More in four sets last Thursday night. Life is 14-5 overall, 6-2 in the Mid-South.
Emily Mohs leads Thomas More with 233 kills and is hitting at a .274 clip. Mohs ranks No. 21 nationally in the NAIA in kills per set at 3.88. The Saints are 27th nationally in assists per set at 11.95.
Thomas More setters Lizzie Schoenfeld (280 assists) and Maddie Read (268 assists) have directed the offense, which is No. 31 nationally in hitting percentage at .217.
(Information compiled from NKU Athletics Communications, Thomas More and staff reports)
