HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky - The Gannon volleyball team used 34 block assists to earn a 3-1 victory over Bellarmine University at the Northern Kentucky Tournament Friday afternoon.

Gannon and Bellarmine played a back-and-forth first set until Bellarmine went on an 8-2 run, winning 25-18. The Lady Knights went up early in the second set thanks to a string of errors by Bellarmine, eventually winning 25-14. Gannon kept the momentum in its favor cruising to 25-15 and 25-17 wins in the final sets. 

“Our blocking was excellent today and really helped us overcome a slow start by our offense,” said head coach Matt Darling. “Morgan and Lauren's offense kept us alive until our passing picked up. I'm happy to start the weekend off with a good win for our team.” 

The Lady Knights defense was on full display Friday afternoon posting 34 block assists and 18 total blocks, forcing Bellarmine to 39 attack errors. Kara Cullen (Marstons Mills, Mass. / Barnstable) had ten block assists in the game, one shy of her career high set against Slippery Rock in 2008. Cullen also added six kills and three digs. 

Morgan Reineke (New Knoxville, Ohio / New Knoxville) led the offense for Gannon recording 16 kills, two assists and two digs. Alex DelPiombo (Monroe, Mich. / St. Mary's Catholic Central) set new career highs in both digs (12) and block assists (4) while also dishing out 27 assists. Lauren Sazama (St. Louis, Mo. / Oakville) had eight kills and eight digs while Lindsey Deitmen (Mentor, Ohio / Mentor) had nine block assists, four kills and four digs. 

Gannon improves to 4-1 on the season while Bellarmine falls to 3-3. Gannon continues tourament play tonight against University of Wisconsin-Parkside (7:00 p.m.) and Sunday, September 11 against Northern Kentucky (4:00 p.m.) Live gameday statistics will be available for both matches at http://athletics.nku.edu/WVolleyball/live/xlive.htm

For a complete boxsccore from Friday's volleyball match, please click here.