HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team struggled from the start as it lost to Northern Kentucky University 30-18, 30-21, 32-30 Saturday afternoon.

USI (13-7, 5-4 GLVC) had no answer to NKU's attack as the Norse racked up a .453 attacking percentage while gaining a 43-18 edge in digs.

The Screaming Eagles looked like they were ready to make a comeback as they jumped out to a 27-23 lead in game three. USI also led 21-14 earlier in the frame, but the Norse rallied to tie the match at 22-22 before seeing the Eagles widen the gap once again.

USI's comeback bid, however, was thwarted as NKU (13-10, 7-4 GLVC) rallied with four straight points before closing the match-clinching third set with consecutive kills.

Senior outside hitter Chelse Doubler (Griffin, Indiana) led the Eagles with 12 kills to go with a .440 attacking percentage, while freshman middle blocker Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana) made good on six of her seven attacks for a .857 attacking percentage. Doubler needs just 18 kills to become the ninth player in school history to reach the 1,000-kill plateau.

NKU (13-10, 7-4 GLVC) got a match-high 16 kills and 11 digs out of Liz Holmes, while Tristen Dye and Andrea Price chipped in 14 and 12 kills, respectively.

USI concludes its six-match road trip Tuesday when it travels to Owensboro, Kentucky, to take on Kentucky Wesleyan College in a 7 p.m. match. The Eagles return to the Physical Activities Center Friday when they host Lewis University.