Nov. 20, 1999

NKU DEFEATS FERRIS STATE IN NCAA 1ST ROUND

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Jessica Buroker had 18 kills and 12 digs Saturday afternoon as the Northern Kentucky University volleyball team defeated Ferris State University, 13-15, 15-3, 15-9, 15-11, in the first round of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Tournament in Regents Hall.

Buroker also had a .421 hitting percentage as the Norse extended their winning streak to 24 consecutive matches. NKU also won its 33rd straight match in Regents Hall and improved to 31-1 with the victory. Denise Barhorst added 12 kills and a .364 hitting percentage for NKU. Bobbi Casey had 52 assists, five kills and 12 digs for the Norse.

Ferris State, which was led by Morgan Buckner’s 13 kills, ended the season with a 26-8 record.

NKU advances to meet Northwood University - which defeated Northern Michigan University, 15-13, 15-8, 15-8, in the other first-round match on Saturday - for the Great Lakes Regional championship at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

NKU met Northwood earlier this season and posted a 15-9, 15-9, 15-9 win over the Timberwolves. Northwood, however, was missing Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year Romana Moravkova in that match as well as first team All-GLIAC setter Amy Gruszynski. Both players were keys to Northwood’s win over Northern Michigan on Saturday as Moravkova had 23 kills, and Gruszynski added 62 assists.

NKU is seeking its second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, which will be held at Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 2-4.

Sunday, Nov. 21

Championship match, 2:30 p.m.