NORTHERN KENTUCKY UPENDS VOLLEYBALL IN FOUR

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MOREHEAD, Ky. – Despite three Highlanders finishing with double-digit kills, Radford could not erase a 2-0 deficit as Northern Kentucky prevailed in four sets (25-18, 25-21, 18-25, 25-21) Friday afternoon at Wetherby Gym as part of Morehead State's Eagle Challenge.

Preseason Big South player of the year Rachel Wiechecki delivered her 39^th career double-double with 17 kills and 22 digs. She also posted a team-best five blocks for the outing. Joining the senior in double figures, offensively, were classmates Emma Deininger (12 kills) and Savannah Cantrell (career-high 11 kills).

In addition to Wiechecki's dig total, the Highlanders (0-1) received double-digit efforts from Kelby Jackson (13) and Savanna Burton (12). Jena Braden notched a match-high 49 assists. As a team, Radford outhit NKU (.255-.215).
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The Norse (1-0) was led by Jenna Ruble and Tristen Simpson, who recorded 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Taylor Snyder recorded 38 assists, while Mel Stewart paced the digs department with her 21.

Down 2-0 at intermission, Radford had an uphill battle to fight. That battle became even more difficult once NKU busted out to an 11-4 advantage early on in the third set. However, the Highlanders did not back down as Deininger sliced the defense for a winner that ignited a 5-0 run to pull RU within two (11-9). The Highlanders eventually pulled away late in the stanza to force a fourth frame.

Tied at 11 in the fourth set, NKU outscored Radford, 8-3, to seize a 19-14 favor. RU staged one last rally by dwindling its deficit to three (24-21), but the Norse claimed the next point to prevail.

The Highlanders return to the court at 7 p.m. to face host Morehead State.

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