HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Several weeks from now, perhaps this will be remembered as the turning point in the 2004 season for the Northern Kentucky University volleyball team.
That’s how big NKU’s 30-26, 21-30, 30-28, 30-22 win over the University of Indianapolis on Saturday might be viewed. It was the type of victory that will certainly boost a team’s confidence, and perhaps ignite a winning streak just in time for a postseason run.
Indianapolis arrived in Regents Hall unbeaten (9-0) in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and in sole possession of first place in the league standings. The Greyhounds are now 18-8 overall, 9-1 in the GLVC.
NKU, meanwhile, improved to 14-8 overall, 7-3 in the GLVC. The Norse entered the match alone in fourth place in the GLVC standings, but Saturday’s victory demonstrated what can happen when NKU is on its game.
Kristin Koralewski continued her scintillating play for NKU with 26 kills, 15 digs and a .431 hitting percentage despite facing constant double-teaming by Indianapolis. The senior All-American saved her best for the fourth game, when she slammed down 10 kills and attacked at a .600 clip.
The previous night during a four-game victory against Saint Joseph’s College, Koralewski finished with a career-high 30 kills, 11 digs and a .390 hitting percentage. She now has 15 double-doubles this season and leads the GLVC in both kills and hitting percentage.
Freshman Liz Holmes added 17 kills and a .414 hitting percentage against Indianapolis. Holmes, who hammered down two kills late in the third game to key NKU’s 30-28 win, also had nine digs ands two blocks against the taller Greyhounds.
Andrea Lanham ran the NKU offense and finished with 62 assists and 10 digs. The sophomore setter’s decision-making helped the Norse hit .331 for the match, including .575 in the fourth game.
Lynne Fischesser added 15 kills, five digs and a .353 hitting percentage for the Norse. Amber Timmons keyed the NKU defense from the back row with 15 digs.
Whitney Boling led Indianapolis with 23 kills and 11 digs, while Shaun McAllister added 20 kills and a .390 hitting percentage. The Greyhounds hit .304 for the match and won the blocking battle by a 19-8 margin, but NKU finished with a 60-42 edge in digs.
The Norse are now 32-3 all-time against Indianapolis.
NKU will play host to Kentucky Wesleyan College at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
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Kristin Koralewski |