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.
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)