Coming off a hard-fought win on Friday night, the Valparaiso University volleyball team was unable to slow down Northern Kentucky on Saturday, as the Crusaders fell to the Norse by a 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-19) final at the ARC.

How It Happened

• The Norse jumped out to a quick 8-1 lead in the opening set and pushed its lead to double figures at 14-4. Trailing 16-7, the Crusaders reeled off six straight points to get back into the set and would close within three points on multiple other occasions, but NKU would eventually claim the opener.
• Valpo led early in the second set before the Norse went on an 8-1 run to go ahead 11-5 en route to heading into the in-game break up two sets.
• Tied 10-10 in the third set, NKU went on a four-point spurt to gain separation and the Crusaders were unable to get any closer than three the rest of the way.

Inside the Match

• The Crusaders continued to utilize libero Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) as the primary setter on Saturday, and the senior finished with team highs of 13 digs and 14 assists.
• Senior Emily Campbell (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) tallied a team-best 11 kills to go with nine digs and six assists, while sophomore Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) hit .240 with 10 kills and six digs.
• Senior Lexie Bouza (Elgin, Ill./Burlington Central) chipped in nine digs on the back line as well.
• Valpo and NKU each had the same number of attacks (120) and hitting errors (17) on Saturday, but the Norse posted 13 more kills (46-33), out-hitting the Crusaders .242-.133.

Next Up

The Crusaders (11-15, 3-7 Horizon) step out of league play for the final time this season on Tuesday as they travel to take on Fort Wayne at 6 p.m. CT. Links for the live video and live stats will be available via ValpoAthletics.com.