NKU women’s volleyball powers past Robert Morris to stay hot in conference play

Jonah Moore, Assistant Sports Editor

October 18, 2025

Junior Sydney Bray (11) spiking the ball for one of her 10 kills on the game.

After surrendering a 6-2 run to RMU in the second set, the Norse saw their lead trimmed to just one point. Clinging to an 18-17 advantage, NKU needed a spark to regain control. RMU served the ball across the net to freshman Abbigail Pickard, who set up junior Ivey Stocks for a thunderous kill, spiking the ball down to the hardwood. That moment ignited a seven-point run for the Norse, who closed out the set 25-17 and took a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

The NKU Norse faced off against the Robert Morris Colonials on Friday night in their first meeting of the season. NKU entered the matchup sitting comfortably in second place in the Horizon League, just two games behind the 12-6 Wright State Raiders, a team the Norse defeated by a score of 3-2 earlier this year.

At 10-8 overall and 6-1 in conference play, NKU has been on a strong run, with its only conference loss coming in a narrow 3-2 battle against Youngstown State. Meanwhile, Robert Morris has struggled this season, holding a 6-12 overall record and just two conference wins.

The Norse came out strong in the opening set, cruising to a 25-13 win behind six scoring runs of four points or more, including a five-point surge to close the set. Junior Sydney Bray led the way with five kills to set the tone for NKU’s offense.

NKU carried that momentum into the second set, taking it 25-17. Robert Morris briefly grabbed a 6-4 lead, but the Norse quickly responded with back-to-back four-point runs that forced an RMU timeout. The Colonials fought to close the gap, but kills from Stocks and Pickard sealed the set and dashed any hopes of a comeback.

Freshman Abbigail Pickard (15) setting up Junior Syndey Bray (11) for a kill. Pickard recorded 34 assists.

NKU closed out the game, winning the third set 25-12, improving their record to 11-8 overall and a 7-1 mark in conference play.

Bray and Junior Ava Hoying led the way for the Norse, combining for 20 of the team’s 75 kills. Bray put together her fourth double-digit kill performance and is starting to become a consistent weapon for the Norse, who lead the Horizon League in points.

NKU takes on RMU Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. as they look to continue their dominance in conference play and push atop the Horizon League standings.

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