Box Score Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio – Junior Ashley Ring led the way for the Purple Aces once again, notching 19 kills, but three Northern Kentucky players posted double figure kills as the Norse finished with a 3-1 victory over volleyball on Saturday morning in the Miami Invitational.
 
Ring finished the morning with 19 kills and 13 digs while Rachel TenHoor tallied 11 kills while hitting .391 in the match for UE (2-4).  The Norse was led by Jayden Julian's 18-kill effort while Jenna Ruble had 15.

"We played well at times, we just need to get mentally tougher and learn how to win once again," Aces coach Manolo Concepcion said.  "Serve and pass are the two areas that need better results; we will continue to focus and reemphasize on emotional intelligence in order to keep seeking our team identity."

"Ashley Ring had a solid tournament, showing why she is and will continue to be solid and consistent," Concepcino added.
 
NKU was strong from the outset, jumping out to a 6-1 lead as Julian had three early kills.  The offense began to find its groove for UE as Ring rang up three early kills to get the Aces within a point at 11-10.  Evansville hung tough over the remainder of the set and they eventually battled back to tie the score up at 23-23 on an NKU error.  The Norse rebounded to post the final two points to escape with a 25-23 win.
 
Despite falling in the opening frame, Evansville used the momentum it gained from a late run to begin the second set on an 8-2 stretch.  The rally was led by sophomore Emma Roberson, who notched back-to-back-to-back kills.  Northern Kentucky made its move, going on an 8-2 run of its own to tie it up at 10-all. 
 
With the score tied at 13, two Ring kills gave the Aces the lead for good as they extended the advantage to take a 25-20 victory.  Ashley Ring was pivotal in the late run, registering three of UE's final four points of the set.
 
Early runs were pivotal in the first two sets and NKU continued that in the third, jumping out to a 3-1 edge.  Evansville got within a point at 6-5 before the Norse went on a 7-1 run as Julian led the way for the offense as they took a 13-6 advantage.  The lead got as high as nine points (21-12) before NKU finished with a 25-17 win.
 
The fourth game saw a 3-3 tie ensue before Northern Kentucky slowly took control.  Their advantage reached nine points at 20-11 before the Aces closed late before falling by a 25-17 score. 
 
Evansville hit much better in Saturday's match, finishing at .226, but the Norse finished the game hitting .267.  Jenn Murphy tallied 44 assists for UE while Katie Klages led everyone with 24 digs.
 
A 7-match road trip to begin the season will finish on Tuesday when the Aces face Murray State.  Next weekend, UE will finally be in front of its home fans at the Carson Center as SIU Edwardsville, Memphis and Valparaiso come to town.