The Northern Kentucky University volleyball team picked up their first victories of the season when they won Tuesday and Wednesday at home.

The Norse rallied in their first home game against College of Mount St. Joseph after losing the first set 21-25, and then winning the next three—25-21, 25-23, 25-18 to take the match.

Sophomore middle hitter Shelby Buschur led the team with 19 kills, followed by junior outside hitter Noelle Peterson with 12 kills. Sophomore defensive specialist Kylee Tarantino led the defense with 16 digs, followed by sophomore setter Jenna Schreiver with 15 digs.

“We played to the level of the competition,” said Head Coach Carlos Chia. “It was the first home game of the season, so hopefully we will do a better job.”

On Wednesday, the Norse defeated Charleston (W.Va.) 25-10, 24-26, 25-17, 25-13.

The Norse jumped out on their opponent early in the match taking a 14-3 lead, coasting to an easy first-set victory.

“We came out strong,” said Peterson, who led the team with 16 kills. “I believe we passed really well, which is the key to our offense.”

After suffering a close loss in the second set, 24-26, NKU came back to take the next two sets to clinch the victory.

Sophomore outside hitter Gennie Galfano finished the game with 12 kills. Buschur added 10 kills, and led NKU in blocks with seven.

Tarantino led the defense with 17 digs, while senior libero Chelsea Clark added 10 digs.

The Norse will be back in action on Friday when they take on Wheeling Jesuit, starting a two-day volleyball tournament held at Regents Hall.

Story by John Minor