After dominating the first set, Maryland Eastern Shore had NKU on their heels, trailing 21-20. Desperate for an equalizing score, the Norse responded with kills by freshman Juanmarco Diaz and sophomore Adam Blair, who sit atop the team’s scoring list.

Two crucial kills catapulted the Norse ahead and propelled them to a 25-22 win in set two. NKU handled business in the third set to secure a 3-0 win and put an end to their tumultuous four-game slide.

NKU took on Maryland Eastern Shore Feb. 12, hoping to get back into the win column for the first time in just under a month.

That coveted win wouldn’t come easily, as the Norse were tasked with taking on the red-hot Maryland Eastern Shore, who were riding high on a three-game winning streak.

In the first set, NKU was in control from the opening serve. The Norse jumped out to an early 10-6 lead and never looked back.

Fueled by strong defense at the net by Adam Blair, the Norse cruised to a 25-12 win and set the tone for the game.

The second set, unlike the first, proved to be the most competitive of the night. Maryland Eastern Shore adjusted well and pushed back late, taking a 21-20 lead and laying the pressure on the Norse.

Desperately needing a response, NKU turned to its top scorers, Diaz and Blair, who delivered back-to-back kills to regain the lead and shift the momentum back the Norse’s way.

NKU stayed composed down the stretch and closed out the set for a narrow 25-22 win, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the game.

In the third set, the Norse stayed focused with a two-set advantage. Maryland Eastern Shore continued to fight, but NKU limited errors and capitalized on mistakes to score key points.

NKU pulled away late and secured the set 25-20, completing the clean sweep.

The Norse move to 2-6 overall after a win that potentially marked a turning point in their season. Although their season hasn’t been what they might’ve hoped, momentum is starting to build for Jim Palilonis and his first-year squad.